The French Press with Emily Downs

63 Fix Your Eyes

We spend a lot of time wanting God to simply remove the hard things. And honestly? I still feel that way sometimes. But throughout Scripture, we see that God often does something deeper in the middle of the suffering instead of immediately taking it away. We talk through the story of the blind man in Mark 8 who was healed in two stages and how that mirrors our own spiritual growth. Sometimes we’re only “seeing trees walking.” We can see something God is doing, but not clearly yet. Books mentioned in this episode: Soul Care by Dr. Rob Reimer  Gospel of Mark

62 Riptide Warning

This week we’re diving back into Soul Care by Dr. Rob Reimer and unpacking the powerful idea of sinful family patterns—the habits, wounds, struggles, and strongholds that seem to repeat themselves, generation after generation. Sometimes we think time heals old wounds, but often the things left unaddressed don’t disappear; they simply go underground and show up later in different ways. I kept coming back to this image from the book of a riptide. You can be swimming along, feeling completely fine, and suddenly realize you're being pulled somewhere you never intended to go. Family patterns can work like that. We tell ourselves, I’ll never become like that, and then years later we realize we’re standing in the very place we swore we'd avoid. Books mentioned in this episode • Soul Care — Dr. Rob Reimer • Sacred Parenting — Gary Thomas • Sacred Marriage — Gary Thomas • My Brilliant Career — Miles Franklin • 2 Samuel

61 After the Rain

Repentance isn’t about shame, it’s about freedom. In this episode, I share how coming into alignment with God brings healing, breaks cycles, and releases the weight we were never meant to carry. When we stay out of alignment through sin, wounds, or even hidden struggles, those things don’t just disappear. They linger, grow, and eventually show up in our relationships, our thoughts, and our behaviors. God invites us into restoration and ultimately relationship with Him. Repentance offers us freedom from bondage.  Books Mentioned: Soul Care - Dr. Rob Reimer Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands - Paul Tripp Experiencing Jesus Really - John Eldredge Sacred Parenting - Gary Thomas Scripture References: 2 Samuel 11-12 (David & Bathsheba; repentance) Psalm 51 (David’s repentance prayer) Psalm 32:3-4 (effects of unconfessed sin) Romans 5:6-8 (Christ died for us while we were sinners) Mark 6 (faith, dependence on God)

60 Crumbling Castles

We spend so much of life building sandcastles - things that look important but won’t actually last. In this episode, I’m unpacking what it means to do real soul work and why so many of us are walking around with cracks in our foundation without even realizing it. Join me as we name the three big lies that shape our identity. What you build on matters. Castles will crumble, but a life built on Christ will last. Books mentioned in this episode: • Soul Care by Dr. Rob Reimer • Waking Up to the Goodness of God by Susie Larson • My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin

59 Pulling Weeds

Any good gardener knows you can't just pull the leaves off the the top of a weed, it will grow back almost immediately. Unwanted plants in our flowerbeds need to be dug out by the roots. This is also true when it comes to the soil of our souls. We are hoping to grow the fruits of the Spirit but often find ugly weeds popping up when we are stressed or tired. It feels easier to manage our behaviors than get out a shovel and start digging around in our hearts. Join me as we discuss what it looks like to make real, lasting changes in our lives.  Books mentioned: Soul Care: 7 Transformational Principles for a Healthy Soul — Dr. Rob Reimer Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands — Paul Tripp Tea Time Discipleship — Sally Clarkson Bible Verses & Books Referenced: Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust in the Lord, not your own understanding Galatians 6:7 — You reap what you sow Psalms (various) — David speaking to his soul James 5:16 — Confess your sins to one another 2 Samuel (life of David) — Honest portrayal of sin, struggle, and repentance