The Gospel & How God is Moving in Ethiopia

The Gospel & Jesus's Most Ignored Command

But, not on purpose. Also, Europeans make the best American Patriots, and How Josh Hokit's Comments on Michelle Obama Might Just Make Me a Better Christian. If you were to characterize culture by one word, what would you use? There are certainly a few to choose from, but Jonathan Haidt had that option when he titled his latest best selling book and he chose the word “anxious.” When he wrote, “The Anxoius Generation,” he was talking about Gen Z and young millennials, but we could easily extrapolate that characterization to describe our entire culture.  Diagnosed or not, medicated or not, almost all of us struggle with anxiety. The jitters of a low grade anxiety, the shadowy idea that the other shoe will drop at any moment, is with many of us all the time. I think it’s safe to say that most of us do not want to live with this unwanted, companion, but we don’t know how to get rid of it.  Well the good news is that Jesus didn’t want us to live like this either. He told us so explicitly in Matthew 6:27-35. So in this week’s episode of the Gospel and Everything Else, we are going to talk about it.  Do I believe that you can simply pray your anxiety away? No. We live in a broken world and life is complicated. But I do believe Jesus didn’t tell us not to be anxious about our lives for us to ignore Him. At the very least we could try to obey.  Let me know what you think! Also in this episode:  What “Spidey and His Amazing Friends,” taught me and my girls about propaganda. Why we should take a lesson from our Europeans friends who are visiting America. And how my outrage against the UFC fighter who called Michelle Obama a man, turned into conviction.  If you want to dive into my other work you can purchase my book Rekindled [https://www.amazon.com/Rekindled-Jesus-Called-Catholic-Church-ebook/dp/B08G89MBR3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5AT0A771CAR9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EZibekayZ-rsW15Pz7akEFF-n7RDCnAe4fXZRekgKZzGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.qUDQXD8TbtH2LvGcOVzF63Qlugqp3qFNI_18DQk01y4&dib_tag=se&keywords=rekindled+mallory&qid=1744304605&sprefix=rekindled+ma%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1], or one of my Bible Studies [https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/collections/study-guides]. Also, if you need a refresher on the Gospel message, check out the first episode [https://malloryasmyth.substack.com/p/the-gospel-and-the-kickoff?r=n7hr1] of this podcast. Did this episode speak to you? Please share it with a friend so we can grow the show! Need a speaker at one of your events? Email me at mallorybueche@gmail.com Praying for peace, Mallory Smyth

The Gospel & How God is Moving in Ethiopia

Remember that time Jesus told His disciples to bring His message to the entire world? If you don’t, you can find it in Matthew 28 when Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” When Marcie Erickson was young, she asked God, “Are you calling me to be a religious sister or go to college?” His response? “I want you to become a missionary.” Basically, He was asking her to use her entire life to fulfill His great commission.  Marcie didn’t know any missionaries, but regardless, she answered His call.  Since then, she has traveled the world serving some of the poorest communities, especially women and children. But she eventually made her home in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. There, she, her husband, and their twelve children, work with the local community to serve women and children who are living in unimaginable situations.  If you were looking to be inspired this week, look no further. I hope this episode challenges you to ask God what He is calling you to do. Then I hope you answer with a bold YES. To support Marcie’s work, donate or reach out on their website. [https://www.gracecenterfoundation.org/donate] If you want to dive into my other work you can purchase my book Rekindled [https://www.amazon.com/Rekindled-Jesus-Called-Catholic-Church-ebook/dp/B08G89MBR3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5AT0A771CAR9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EZibekayZ-rsW15Pz7akEFF-n7RDCnAe4fXZRekgKZzGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.qUDQXD8TbtH2LvGcOVzF63Qlugqp3qFNI_18DQk01y4&dib_tag=se&keywords=rekindled+mallory&qid=1744304605&sprefix=rekindled+ma%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1], or one of my Bible Studies [https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/collections/study-guides]. Also, if you need a refresher on the Gospel message, check out the first episode [https://malloryasmyth.substack.com/p/the-gospel-and-the-kickoff?r=n7hr1] of this podcast. Did this episode speak to you? Please share it with a friend so we can grow the show! Need a speaker at one of your events? Email me at mallorybueche@gmail.com Praying for Marcie and those she serves in Ethiopia, Mallory Smyth

The Gospel & Health and Wellness's Biggest Lie

According to my own mind, I’m a functional medicine expert. I listen to tons of health podcasts, and am very quick to jump on the latest trends. I think sugar is bad for you, sunlight is good for you, oregano oil is has super powers, grounding brings down inflammation, and forever chemicals are affecting our fertility. I write this to let you know that when it comes to the health and wellness space, I AM A BELIEVER.  But, as the saying goes, you can have too much of a good thing. And what started out as a path to health and liberation from the modern medical system, is now starting to feel oppressive. Are we ever allowed to have any fun? Can we ever wear perfume again without feeling guilty? And what able CANDLES for goodness sake? A glass of wine? A cookie?  How can we embrace the goods of alternative health without giving into its tyrannical rule over every choice we make? How can we take control of our well being without spending a fortune on every new technology and gadget? Join me today on the pod because we are going to talk about it!  Also, we are diving into Spencer Pratt, my new favorite public figure’s, comments on crystals. And Alex Cooper, the host of the most popular sex and dating podcast in the world’s new pregnancy announcement.  Join me for this episode as we find God in it all! For bonus content and subscriber chats don’t forget to become a paid subscriber! If you want to dive into my other work you can purchase my book Rekindled [https://www.amazon.com/Rekindled-Jesus-Called-Catholic-Church-ebook/dp/B08G89MBR3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5AT0A771CAR9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EZibekayZ-rsW15Pz7akEFF-n7RDCnAe4fXZRekgKZzGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.qUDQXD8TbtH2LvGcOVzF63Qlugqp3qFNI_18DQk01y4&dib_tag=se&keywords=rekindled+mallory&qid=1744304605&sprefix=rekindled+ma%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1], or one of my Bible Studies [https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/collections/study-guides]. Also, if you need a refresher on the Gospel message, check out the first episode [https://malloryasmyth.substack.com/p/the-gospel-and-the-kickoff?r=n7hr1] of this podcast. To read stems from home [https://open.substack.com/users/20270473-stems-from-home?utm_source=mentions]’s article on this topic, find it here [https://substack.com/home/post/p-197726938] Did this episode speak to you? Please share it with a friend so we can grow the show! Also, if you would like me to speak at one of your events, email me at mallorybueche@gmail.com Going to stand barefoot on the ground and look at the sun, Mallory Smyth

The Gospel & Is Trump the New Hitler?

And/or Our Very Own Picture of Dorian Gray? He is the most polarizing figure of my lifetime. Some people love Him. Some people would rather hear nails on a chalkboard than his name spoken in public. And for years, we have heard Him being compared to Hitler, evil dictator and murderer of millions.  Obviously it’s Donald Trump.  Last week, while I was on spring break with my family, Trump decided that if he hadn’t already pissed you off, he was going to make sure he did so. In a powerful few minutes, Trump managed to get much of his base to turn on him by disrespecting the Pope, depicting himself and Jesus, and then claiming he thought it was a picture of him as a doctor (lol).  So. Let’s talk about it because I have something to say and I believe it’s different from what you have already heard. There is something to the Hitler comparison, but it isn’t what you think.  There is Trump the man with is own massive flaws. But then, there is the collective response to Trump. And that is where I believe there is room for conversation and for the Gospel to break in and challenge us. Trump is who He is. We can’t control Him. But we can’t control ourselves and we can decide what kind of society we want to live it. So let’s do that together.  No matter where you stand on this matter, I hope you will listen thoughtfully and respond accordingly because honestly, I’m not a fighter but this is an important conversation.  Also in this episode…Good news. People are coming into the Catholic Church at the highest rate in my life time! Miley Cyrus is sober, clothed, and in her right mind! And Perez Hilton met God.  If you want to dive into my other work you can purchase my book Rekindled [https://www.amazon.com/Rekindled-Jesus-Called-Catholic-Church-ebook/dp/B08G89MBR3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5AT0A771CAR9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EZibekayZ-rsW15Pz7akEFF-n7RDCnAe4fXZRekgKZzGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.qUDQXD8TbtH2LvGcOVzF63Qlugqp3qFNI_18DQk01y4&dib_tag=se&keywords=rekindled+mallory&qid=1744304605&sprefix=rekindled+ma%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1], or one of my Bible Studies [https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/collections/study-guides]. Also, if you need a refresher on the Gospel message, check out the first episode [https://malloryasmyth.substack.com/p/the-gospel-and-the-kickoff?r=n7hr1] of this podcast. Did this episode speak to you? Please share it with a friend so we can grow the show! Also, if you would like me to speak at one of your events, email me at mallorybueche@gmail.com Happy Easter, Mallory Smyth

The Gospel & What to do with Women, James Talarico, and the Good News in Galatians

Have you ever noticed that we tend to have these cultural conversations that never get resolved?  For time immemorial, honestly, going back to the Garden of Eden, we have been fighting about what to do with woman, and how they should live in society. We have also been fighting about what it means to live a life that is pleasing to God, and eventually, when Christianity came around, what it means to live Christianity well.  While we are not going to officially end either of these debates today, we are going to wade into the waters because here is the truth: There IS a right and a wrong way to live.  AND. There is some wiggle room, some freedom if you will, within the righteous path.  So today on the pod, we are going to talk about the ongoing conversation in the Church and in the Culture about WOMEN!!! Those pesky women. What do we do with them? How should they act? Who has the right opinion? This is in response to some inner Catholic conversations that have been bubbling up lately.  But we won’t stop there! James Talrico has been a big topic of conversation for podcasters because, he is well spoken, good looking, and has alot to say about politics and scripture.  We are not going to get into all his clips too much, but we are going to do our very best to answer the question, what is required of the Christian?!?!?!  And finally, we are going to end with the best news ever by diving in to the book of Galatians…For freedom, Christ has set you free my friend, so DO NOT submit again to the yoke of slavery!!  If you would like to financially support the show, that is now and option to you, and I would be so grateful if you did! For $8 dollars a month, you can help free up some of my time to write bible studies, podcast episode reflections, and start audience conversations. Interested? Become a paid subscriber here on my Substack page. If you want to dive into my other work you can purchase my book Rekindled [https://www.amazon.com/Rekindled-Jesus-Called-Catholic-Church-ebook/dp/B08G89MBR3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5AT0A771CAR9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EZibekayZ-rsW15Pz7akEFF-n7RDCnAe4fXZRekgKZzGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.qUDQXD8TbtH2LvGcOVzF63Qlugqp3qFNI_18DQk01y4&dib_tag=se&keywords=rekindled+mallory&qid=1744304605&sprefix=rekindled+ma%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1], or one of my Bible Studies [https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/collections/study-guides]. Also, if you need a refresher on the Gospel message, check out the first episode [https://malloryasmyth.substack.com/p/the-gospel-and-the-kickoff?r=n7hr1] of this podcast. Did this episode speak to you? Please share it with a friend so we can grow the show! Also, if you would like me to speak at one of your events, email me at mallorybueche@gmail.com Enjoying the freedom Christ gave me, Mallory Smyth