Unsilenced Hearts

Allowing Ourselves to be Loved with Mike Maeshiro

Today's episode is with the wonderful Mike Maeshiro! Mike is the founder of Numa [https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/], an organization that supports people recovering from religious toxicity. Mike is gay, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a queer theology enthusiast.  On this episode we discuss Mike's evolving perception of God and how it has impacted his sense of self. He shares that his perception of God has shifted from a patriarchal authoritarian figure to a more loving and personal presence. This change has led him to reject the belief that he is inherently sinful and unworthy. Instead, he embraces the idea that he is inherently valuable and deserving of love. Mike also explores the sacredness of understanding and valuing the experiences and perspectives of others, as well as the importance of trust in relationships. In this conversation, Mike shares a personal experience of making an intuitive decision that didn't make logical sense but felt compelled to do it anyway. He talks about a moment when he heard a voice in his head telling him he was not supposed to be where he was and that there was something else for him. This led him to quit his job and move to Japan, which ultimately changed the trajectory of his life. The conversation also explores the vulnerability of writing a love letter and the importance of embracing unconditional love and acceptance. Takeaways Our perception of God deeply affects our perception of ourselves and our sense of identity. Embracing a more loving and personal understanding of God can lead to a greater sense of self-worth and acceptance. Valuing and understanding the experiences and perspectives of others is a sacred practice. Trust is an essential component of meaningful relationships. Making intuitive decisions that don't make logical sense can lead to life-changing experiences. Embracing vulnerability and listening to our inner voice can lead to personal growth and transformation. Writing a love letter can be a powerful and therapeutic practice that allows for self-reflection and connection with the divine. Unconditional love and acceptance are essential for personal and spiritual growth. Mike's Links: Website [https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/] Instagram @mikemaeshiro [https://www.instagram.com/mikemaeshiro/] Substack "God Made me Gay" [https://mikemaeshiro.substack.com/subscribe] "Confessions of a Reformer" [https://mikemaeshiro.substack.com/subscribe] Podcast Get full access to Touching the Elephant at touchingtheelephant.substack.com/subscribe [https://touchingtheelephant.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Sacred Dissonance with Liz Mall

Elizabeth Mall is on the podcast today!  Liz is a mom of three young kids and host of the podcast 'Deconstructing the Myth.' [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deconstructing-the-myth/id1642091664] She recently completed her masters degree in Christian Apologetics  not to defend her faith, but to search for what is good, true, and worth holding onto. Kendall and Liz explore the difference between deconstruction as a process of personal growth and deconstruction as a destructive act. Liz shares her experiences growing up in a Methodist church and finding sanctuary in the church building. She also discusses her current views on church and the sacredness she finds in deep conversations and connections with others. This episode explores the importance of being present in the messy moments of life and finding meaning in the dissonance. Liz shares her journey of rediscovering faith and the shift in her understanding of God's grace. They also discuss the themes of acceptance, curiosity, and the power of lived experiences. Liz opens up about her struggles with body image and the impact of purity culture on her self-perception. The conversation concludes with a letter to love, reflecting on the need to love oneself and the importance of deep connection with others. Takeaways Deconstruction can be a personal journey of growth and self-discovery, rather than a destructive act. Apologetics can be a tool for personal inquiry and searching for truth, rather than a means to prove one's faith to others. Finding sanctuary in a church can be a personal and individual experience, but it can also be found outside of traditional church spaces. Deep conversations and connections with others can be a sacred and transformative experience. Seeing the goodness and love in others, regardless of their beliefs, can be a powerful and sacred experience. Deconstructing faith involves questioning and reevaluating beliefs, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself and spirituality. Being present in the messy moments of life and embracing the dissonance can lead to profound growth and a more meaningful experience. Accepting the unacceptable and surrendering to life's circumstances can bring a sense of peace and allow for personal transformation. Curiosity and a willingness to explore the unknown can lead to new insights and a deeper connection with oneself and others. Purity culture and societal expectations can have a profound impact on body image and self-perception, requiring intentional work to cultivate self-love and acceptance. Liz's links: Deconstructing the Myth Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deconstructing-the-myth/id1642091664] Here's the powerful episode [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/43-frank-rogers-jr-author-of-cradled-in-the/id1642091664?i=1000637512751] we talk about with Frank Rogers Jr Liz's Instagram: @desconstructingthemyth Get full access to Touching the Elephant at touchingtheelephant.substack.com/subscribe [https://touchingtheelephant.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Committed to Healing with Lizz Enns Petters

In this episode, Kendall interviews Lizz Enns Petters, co-host of the Deconstructing Mamas Podcast [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1942334], about her journey of faith deconstruction amidst parenting. Lizz shares her experiences growing up in a religious environment and questioning certain Bible stories. She also discusses how she navigates healing from religious trauma and mental health issues while parenting. Lizz emphasizes the importance of finding sacredness in small moments and creating a Sunday routine outside of church that works for her and her family. In this conversation, Liz discusses her journey of deconstructing her faith and the impact it has had on her identity. She shares how she started questioning her beliefs in college and rebelled against the expectations of her evangelical Christian upbringing. Liz also talks about the challenges she has faced in being public about her deconstruction journey and the loss of friendships. She emphasizes the importance of finding a community of like-minded individuals and the power of sharing one's story. The conversation concludes with Liz reading a heartfelt and vulnerable letter to herself, expressing self-acceptance and resilience. Takeaways Growing up in a religious environment can lead to questioning certain Bible stories and feeling unsettled by them. Healing from religious trauma and managing mental health while parenting can be challenging but important work. Finding sacredness in small moments, such as warm baths and quiet reading time, can be a source of comfort and grounding. Creating a Sunday routine that aligns with personal needs and values can be a healthy way to navigate faith shifts and prioritize self-care. Being public about one's deconstruction journey can lead to misunderstandings and the loss of friendships. Finding a community of like-minded individuals can provide support and a sense of belonging during the deconstruction process. Follow Lizz Here: Lizz's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lizzennspetters/] Lizz's Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=lizz%20enns%20petters%20the%20deconstructed%20mama]Deconstructing Mamas Podcast [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1942334] Follow Kendall for podcast updates: Unsilenced Hearts [https://www.instagram.com/unsilencedhearts/]on IG Subscribe to The Unsilenced Hearts Club [https://unsilencedheartsclub.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile] on Substack for more love letters and a sweet community! Get full access to Touching the Elephant at touchingtheelephant.substack.com/subscribe [https://touchingtheelephant.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Made in the Image of Love with Esther Joy Goetz

In this episode, Kendall interviews Esther Joy Goetz, co-host of The Deconstructing Mamas podcast.  They delve into Esther's early church memories (or her curious lack thereof) as a missionary kid growing up in Ethiopia, and her journey in finding community after leaving the church she had been deeply involved in as an adult. The conversation explores how we can embrace and lean into challenging beliefs and how doing so results in a more expansive, evolving faith. Esther also talks about the sacredness of nature and her journey of rewilding her soul. She shares her experience of connecting with nature in a seasonal way and the importance of embracing each season fully. She explores the concept of freedom and how her faith shift has allowed her to let go of certainty and embrace personal growth and change. Esther emphasizes the importance of viewing oneself and others as inherently good and wounded, rather than inherently bad and broken. She also discusses her current projects, including writing books of meditations and offering spiritual direction. Takeaways Esther's early church memories are limited due to her missionary kid background, but she later attended church and eventually left due to shifting beliefs. After leaving the church, Esther found community in various spaces, including online communities, small groups, and one-on-one connections. Esther's faith journey was influenced by her son's questions and her shift from certainty to curiosity and humility. Love and relationships became more important to Esther than holding onto dogma and beliefs, leading her to prioritize love in her parenting and other relationships. Nature can be a sacred space for connecting with oneself and the world. Embracing freedom is more important than seeking safety or certainty. Shifting from a belief in inherent evilness to inherent goodness can change one's self-perception and view of others. Compassion and understanding can be extended to those who harm, recognizing their woundedness. Engaging in practices that foster self-love and personal growth can lead to a deeper connection with oneself and the divine. The Deconstructing Mamas Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6vblpLhhENqKYBbscfWnIZ?si=e59918fd172f4658 [https://open.spotify.com/show/6vblpLhhENqKYBbscfWnIZ?si=e59918fd172f4658] Esther's Website: https://www.estherjoygoetz.com/ [https://www.estherjoygoetz.com/] Esther's Book, "Wit, Wisdom and Whimsy" https://a.co/d/eRitHyo [https://a.co/d/eRitHyo] 1000 Hours Outside Challenge: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/ [https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/] Get full access to Touching the Elephant at touchingtheelephant.substack.com/subscribe [https://touchingtheelephant.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Embracing Our Scars with Pastor Josh Scott

In this conversation, Kendall  interviews Josh Scott, the lead pastor of GracePointe, a progressive Christian church in Nashville, TN. They discuss Josh's journey as a pastor whose faith has evolved right beside his congregations, and his efforts to create a safe and inclusive space for people who have been hurt by traditional church spaces. Josh shares his early memories of church and the fear and confusion he felt about God's love. He also talks about the importance of questioning and reimagining faith, and the need for a more expansive view of God's love and grace. The conversation highlights the power of community and the sacredness of human experiences and explores the themes of wonder, curiosity, and the process of renegotiating faith. Josh and Kendall delve into the losses and gains experienced in this journey, including the grief of lost relationships and the freedom to embrace difference and mystery. The scars of the risen Christ are seen as a reflection of commitment to not inflicting pain on others. The conversation also highlights the importance of self-compassion, self-acceptance, and the joy of being fully oneself. Josh's letter from Love emphasizes the gift of being alive and the reminder to be grateful and present in each moment. Takeaways Creating a safe and inclusive space in church is essential for people who have been hurt by traditional church spaces. Questioning and reimagining faith is important for personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. The Bible is a guide, but it is not the ultimate authority. It should be interpreted in a way that promotes human flourishing and love for all. Recognizing and embracing sacred moments in everyday life can lead to a deeper connection with God and a sense of wonder. Curiosity and wonder are essential qualities that should be nurtured and celebrated. The process of renegotiating faith can involve losses, such as relationships, but also brings gains, such as freedom and curiosity. Self-compassion and self-acceptance are crucial for personal growth and a healthy sense of identity. The scars of the risen Christ symbolize a commitment to not inflicting pain on others. Being fully oneself and embracing difference and mystery can lead to more meaningful relationships and a deeper understanding of the world. The journey of faith is unique for each individual, and it is important to honor and respect diverse perspectives and experiences. Links: Josh's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh_a_scott/ [https://www.instagram.com/josh_a_scott/] Josh's Substack, Re:Imagining Faith: https://www.joshscott.online/ [https://www.joshscott.online/] Bible Stories for Grown-ups: https://a.co/d/5tnyJ8t [https://a.co/d/5tnyJ8t] Context: Putting Scripture in it's Place: https://a.co/d/73GxgxU [https://a.co/d/73GxgxU] GracePointe Church Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gracepointe-church-nashville-tn/id966363890?app=podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gracepointe-church-nashville-tn/id966363890?app=podcast] Get full access to Touching the Elephant at touchingtheelephant.substack.com/subscribe [https://touchingtheelephant.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]