Bare Faith

25 - Finding My Way Back

Life's messiness often clouds our connection with faith. In this episode, Dr. Gladys Childs takes us through the intricate journey of rediscovering a genuine relationship with God. She resonates with those who feel distant, emphasizing that prayer sometimes feels like a mere performance and Bible passages slip through our fingers. With poignant stories of biblical characters, including the lost son and Zacchaeus, Dr. Childs invites us to confront our struggles and recognize that our desire for closeness is still alive. She introduces the notion that returning doesn’t have to be grand; it can simply be a quiet moment of vulnerability. As she shares Renee's heartfelt experience of sifting through old journals, we witness the necessity of authenticity in faith – the realization that we must show up as we are today, not as an idealized past version of ourselves. Dr. Childs encourages listeners to drop rehearsed speeches, to stop auditioning for a role that no longer suits us, and to take small steps toward connection. Zacchaeus’ tale reminds us that transformation begins with a simple act of reaching out, even if it seems undignified. The episode unfolds with practical insights on nurturing faith amidst life’s complexities, revealing that Jesus is already moving toward us long before we take the first step. As we join this journey, we are reminded that the embrace waiting for us is rooted in unconditional love, not in our performance or past identities. Prepare to reflect deeply and embrace the path back to faith, anchored in the present moment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

24 - Is It Too Late?

Life is messy, and faith can feel like an uphill battle. In this reflective episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs dives into the chasm between routine and true relationship with God. Many ask themselves, 'Is it too late?' after pouring years into what has turned into a joyless routine. Dr. Childs addresses the fear of disqualification—those nagging thoughts that whisper, 'Was my faith ever real?' She shares Wendell's poignant story of a man who has cycled through the motions of faithfulness for decades, only to face a sobering realization one fateful Tuesday night. He stood in his kitchen, staring at his hands—faithful and worn—but feeling hollow. With a voice barely recognizable, he uttered truths that shook his very foundation. The pain of wondering if he had merely performed for years without genuine connection becomes a powerful moment of honesty, echoing the struggles many of us face on our faith journey. Dr. Childs draws parallels to the older brother in Luke 15, who spent years working in the field yet felt perpetually disconnected from his father's love. As she unpacks the father’s tender response, the message becomes clear: true relationship is not built on a ledger of deeds but thrives in love and acceptance. This week, we confront the hard questions—whether it's the drifting hearts of the faithful or those stuck in an endless cycle of performance. Together, we explore the path of repentance and the call to return to our first love, validating the lived experiences of those who've wrestled with profound disconnection. This is an invitation to recognize that it’s never too late to restore that vital relationship, to step away from the fear of being just a hired hand, and to realize that we are intended to be beloved children. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

23 - What Did This Cost Me?

Life can feel chaotic, and in moments of despair, it’s easy to question whether God truly sees us. Dr. Gladys Childs opens up about the hidden toll of merely going through the motions in faith—drawing from her own story and connecting it to biblical truths. She invites listeners to engage in honest accountability regarding the emotional and spiritual losses they've endured. What have we sacrificed in our pursuit of faithfulness? Is it the Sunday mornings devoid of meaning? The lessons passed down to our children that turn faith into performance? Dr. Childs poignantly reveals how our well-intentioned commitments can lead to a quiet yet profound disconnect from genuine heart-felt faith. Through reflections on personal experiences, including her time in children's ministry, she emphasizes that grief unacknowledged can turn into deep-seated resentment. This episode is an opportunity to confront the costs of a faith routine, prompting listeners to shed light on the ache that often remains unnamed. Dr. Childs draws parallels to the story of the Prodigal Son, revealing that even those who appear faithful may be wrestling with their own disillusionment. As she recounts a pivotal Easter Sunday moment—a painful reminder of being unfulfilled in a role she took on under pressure—the discussion opens the door to recognizing our own struggles. Each listener is challenged to sit with their own loss, to count the costs, and to acknowledge the truths hidden beneath the surface. This steady unveiling lays bare how, despite fulfilling our obligations for years, we may find ourselves emotionally and spiritually drained. With honesty, Dr. Childs underscores the reality that many have built facades out of exhaustion, revealing a heart that has distanced itself from God while maintaining appearances. Join her in exploring how these hidden costs can impact our relationships and faith journeys. This week offers a poignant invitation to name these losses, to reflect intentionally on the ache, and to understand that it’s never too late to reclaim our voice of authenticity in the presence of God. The hope lies in realizing that Jesus sees our pain and offers us the grace to embrace it. Reflect and stay in the moment with Him, as Dr. Childs reminds us that the path to healing begins with honesty about the price we've paid. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

22 - How Did I End Up Here?

In this reflective journey, Dr. Gladys Childs confronts the subtle yet profound drift from genuine connection with God to a life dictated by the opinion of others. Through personal stories, especially that of Renee—a devoted leader and friend—the episode examines the emotional struggle of how faith can morph from love-driven practices into mere religious obligations. As Renee types and retypes a caring message for a friend in need, she realizes her prayers have turned into performances, leaving her feeling estranged from God. The narrative deepens as Dr. Childs discusses the three quiet shifts: how our audience changes, how the fuel of our faith transforms from love to duty, and how the systems we built to deepen our spirituality unintentionally replace the intimacy of our relationship with God. The episode draws parallels with Simon the Pharisee, whose encounter with Jesus illustrates how one can be physically present with the divine yet emotionally distant. As listeners are invited to reflect on their own spiritual journeys, Dr. Childs offers actionable steps to reconnect—finding unwatched moments, questioning one's motives, and breaking free from the scripted routine. It’s a heartfelt reminder that nobody drifts intentionally and a call to turn our faces back to the only one who matters—Jesus. Join Gladys as she navigates the complexities of faith, drawing listeners back into the arms of a relentless God, ensuring that we cease performing and begin truly connecting once again. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

21 - I Forgot Why I Started

Life gets messy, and faith can feel more like a chore than a connection. Dr. Gladys Childs delves into the unsettling experience of faith that feels mechanical and disconnected from genuine belief. Reflecting on the struggles many face, she reveals the quiet despair of doing all the right things—attending church, reading the Bible, and praying—yet feeling utterly empty inside. This episode introduces Marcus, a devoted deacon whose ritualistic approach to faith has left him numb. Leaving behind a vibrant past of fervent belief, he finds himself merely going through the motions, existing in a world where others see his faith as steadfast, but inside, he's unraveling. When a simple question from a coworker leaves him speechless, he confronts the uncomfortable reality of his faith’s transformation. Dr. Childs also uncovers the story of Martha, who desperately tries to serve Jesus while feeling unseen, openly voicing the feelings many suppress: 'Lord, do you not care?' Martha’s struggle sheds light on the deep disconnect between routine service and genuine warmth, proving that even those dedicated to faith can feel lost amidst their efforts. This poignant exploration invites listeners to sit with their own feelings of numbness, challenging them to reflect on what faith truly means beyond performance. With an honest tone and a blend of storytelling and scripture, Dr. Childs compels us to consider our relationship with God and recognize the risks of merely maintaining the appearance of faith without its essence. By bravely addressing these themes, we embark on a journey of rediscovery, ultimately asking: What happens when you realize your faith has become routine? Through compassionate storytelling and profound insight, today’s episode isn’t just an invitation to connect; it’s a call to rekindle what we often forget about our relationship with God. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].