22 - How Did I End Up Here?

27 - What if this was the point?

Dive into the depths of spiritual numbness as Dr. Gladys Childs reframes our understanding of feeling disconnected from God. What if these hollow moments aren't signs of abandonment, but invitations to growth? In this reflective season finale, Dr. Gladys invites you to contemplate the age-old struggle between the energy of faith and the stagnation of the soul. She shares the poignant story of Daniel—a deacon whose faith felt like a performance and whose inner longing remained unheard. At the crossroads of empty rituals and unfulfilled longing, Daniel faces a truth he can no longer ignore: the reality of being spiritually adrift. This episode reveals that spiritual emptiness can be fertile ground for transformation, encouraging listeners to embrace their own vulnerable moments. Is the numbness a failure, or is it a preparation for something new? Challenges surface within the church as Dr. Gladys illustrates how recognizing our true feelings can catalyze profound change. Drawing from the Gospel of John, she connects biblical insights to practical reflections, demonstrating that the journey of faith is not linear but often requires sitting in discomfort. Embrace the dark moments with Dr. Gladys as she elucidates how God cultivates growth, even when we feel lost. By contemplating the uncomfortable void, listeners will learn that their struggles may not be barriers, but rather a part of a greater faith story waiting to unfold. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

26 - What If This Was The Point

As we reach the finale of our season, we dive into the transformative power of our most challenging moments. Life often throws us into seasons of emptiness, where faith feels shaky and words to God seem lost. Dr. Gladys Childs intimately understands this struggle and invites listeners to reconsider how these barren times may not be mere detours but critical invitations for poignant growth. What if the numbness we experience is not a sign of God’s absence but rather a chance to shed the old layers of our spiritual selves? This episode challenges the notion that empty spaces represent failure; instead, they may be fertile ground for new beginnings. Using powerful narratives, including the story of Daniel, a weary church deacon, we explore the courage it takes to confront spiritual fatigue and the vulnerability required to admit that our faith has become a performance. Daniel's journey unearths the pivotal moment when he faced the truth of his own disconnectedness, prompting a candid conversation with his son Caleb. This heartfelt exchange reveals not just a confession, but an awakening to authenticity, where deep spiritual honesty becomes the cornerstone of true faith. In reflecting on the Gospel of John, Dr. Childs emphasizes that growth often emerges from the shadows, where things may seem dormant but are actually preparing for vibrant renewal. As we unpack the wisdom hidden in our trying seasons, we confront the uncomfortable silence that often accompanies spiritual transition. Join Dr. Childs as she poses thought-provoking questions, urging us to embrace the unseen processes within our faith journeys and understand that even in our darkest moments, transformation is imminent. This finale reveals that letting go of performance and embracing vulnerability can lead to profound spiritual discovery. Let’s explore how God uses the very spaces that feel empty to cultivate our faith and prepare us for what is yet to come. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.