Truth or Tale

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Eighty-two percent of Americans believe "God helps those who help themselves" is in the Bible but it isn't. The saying actually traces back to a 17th century political theorist and got its real momentum from Benjamin Franklin, a man who wasn't a Christian. Somewhere along the way it became misrepresented as a part of God's Word. The problem isn't that it sounds wrong. The problem is that it sounds just right enough to go unexamined. This week we're examining it, and what Scripture actually says turns out to be a whole lot better than what Franklin wrote.

Love is Love

"Love is love." This phrase is ubiquitous this time of the year. It's simple, laced with emotion, and almost impossible to argue with. Almost. In Episode 7 of Truth or Tale, we take an honest, grace-filled look at what the phrase actually claims, because underneath its emotional appeal is a premise worth examining carefully. Who gets to define love? The answer to that question changes everything. We trace the phrase to its roots, hold it up against Scripture, and have a direct conversation with Christians who have moved toward affirmation out of genuine love for someone they care about. This isn't a culture war episode, it's a kitchen table conversation about what love really is, where it comes from, and why getting that right matters.

The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side

Everyone's felt it. The quiet ache that someone else's job, relationship, or season of life is just a little better than yours. We call it FOMO. We laugh about it. We scroll through it. And somewhere along the way we accepted it as just part of being human. But what if normalizing it is exactly the problem? In this episode, we examine the saying "the grass is always greener on the other side" and ask the question we don't usually ask, is this folk wisdom worth keeping, or is it quietly working against us? We trace it back to ancient Rome, look honestly at why it resonates, and then hold it up to Scripture to see what it's actually made of. Whether you're navigating a career decision, a relationship, or a season that just won't seem to move, the verdict might surprise you. If you've ever made a decision out of fear that something better was slipping through your fingers, this one's for you.

Live Like You're Dying

Most people hear "live like you're dying" as a call to chase bucket-list adventures or maximize every moment for personal fulfillment. But what if this popular saying is actually steering us away from the biblical truth about mortality? In this episode of Truth or Tale, Akunna explores the cultural influence of this popular saying, why it often misses the mark, and how biblical perspective shifts the focus from self-fulfillment to faithful living rooted in Christ. With rich theology, and a call to authentic surrender, this episode offers a transformative perspective for believers and anyone craving a deeper understanding of what it means to live wisely and intentionally in light of eternity. Scripture Referenced: Psalm 90 James 4:13–14 Ecclesiastes 2 Corinthians 5:14–15 Philippians 1:21 Colossians 3:1–4 John 15:13 Connect: Instagram: @truthortalepod Email: truthortalepod@gmail.com [truthortalepod@gmail.com] Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you discern truth from tale.

You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup

"You can't pour from an empty cup." We've all heard it, we've probably all said it and there's truth here. Rest is biblical. Boundaries matter. You have limits. But does your cup need to be full before God can use you? The truth is the Christian life isn't about filling our cup so we can serve from our abundance. It's about recognizing that we can do nothing on our own and need God to enable us. In this episode of Truth or Tale, join Akunna as we test this popular saying against Scripture and discover what the Bible really teaches about rest, weakness, and God's strength. Truth or Tale: Testing popular sayings through a Christian worldview. New episodes every Wednesday.