Tired of what’s happening in politics? Me too. I’m reposting an episode to remind us that we need to dream bigger — like Nazareth-big. I’m making the case for why my write-in vote this election would go to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Forget the mudslinging, the super PACs, and the endless superlatives — what we need in the Oval Office is the guts, grit, and grace of a woman who survived patriarchal oppression, political refugeeship, and raising the Savior of the world. (And did it all without a social media manager.)

We’ll explore how Mary’s life experience — her leadership, her suffering, her faith — makes her more qualified than most modern candidates. Plus, I’ll midrash a little, take a few playful swings at politics-as-usual, and offer a fresh vision for leadership rooted in compassion, courage, and relentless hope.

Because honestly? We don’t just need a President.

We need a Mother.

And Mary gets my vote.

On today’s episode, I’m joined by my friend Sarah Bucy Klingler, a tireless advocate for victims of church-related harm, as we explore the harrowing stories and systemic failures that often leave survivors marginalized and voiceless. 

On today’s episode, we’re talking about: •Abuse in Evangelical Churches – The episode highlights widespread abuse scandals in Protestant churches, exposing how power and secrecy enable harm.

• Narcissism in Church Leadership – Chuck DeGroat explains how churches can foster narcissistic cultures that prioritize image, suppress dissent, and protect abusive leaders.

• The Cost of Whistleblowing – Speaking out against abuse has heavy consequences, yet biblical prophets and faith leaders model the courage to do so.

• Parallels in Politics – The Trump administration mirrors narcissistic church leadership, using chaos, gaslighting, and media manipulation to maintain control.

• A Call to Action & Hope—Inspired by faith leaders and activists, this episode encourages listeners to resist oppression and work toward a more just and compassionate world.

Links:

Chuck DeGroat, When Narcissism Comes to Church 

https://www.amazon.com/When-Narcissism-Comes-Church-Community/dp/0830841598

The Ezra Klein Show https://youtu.be/K8QLgLfqh6s?si=ApVdkYjcVE57pJ1O

Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett 

https://zondervanacademic.com/products/revelation-For-the-rest-of-us

In today’s episode, Shawn Small explains the difference between frontier and border teaching. Similar to geographical borders, border storytelling is clear and definite. Figuratively speaking, borders are designed to contain people or keep them out. Border teaching aims to stop the flow of movement and imagination.

When we discuss frontiers, we're referring to a more dynamic and adventurous context. Every explorer we study embraces the idea of venturing into the frontiers. There’s an ebb and flow, along withthe excitement and uncertainty of discovery in this frontier language. Frontier teachers can make us feel uneasy because they lead us into unexplored territory and expect us to take responsibility for our discoveries along the way.

Today, we will explore the woods of Franciscan teaching. Some of what you will hear about original goodness and the primacy of the Incarnation may challenge your understanding.

However, Jackie will guide us through Church history, reassuring us that these concepts are not new but quite ancient. If we embrace this journey, we may find our faith expanding and our perception of God much more significant than we ever imagined.

Suggested Reading Links

Original Blessing: Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place

https://www.amazon.com/Original-Blessing-Putting-Rightful-

Place/dp/1451496761

Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi

https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Love-Alternative-Francis-

Assisi/dp/1632531402