In this solo episode, Cass unpacks the beauty of "sacred sob sessions"—those profound, solitary moments when tears become a form of worship and communion with God.

Sharing personal stories, insights from her time at Denver Seminary, and wisdom from the book Burnout, Cass explores the emotional, spiritual, and physiological benefits of crying.

Drawing on the work of theologian Katherine Sonderegger, she delves into God’s omnipotence and empathy in relation to human suffering, offering a nuanced perspective on the problem of evil and God’s presence in our pain. Through biblical references such as Psalm 56:8 and Romans 8, she reveals how tears can act as silent prayers, expressions of repentance, and channels for divine connection.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Tears as a form of worship and silent prayer: exploring how tears express repentance, longing, and spiritual vulnerability.
• God’s omnipotence and empathy in suffering: incorporating Sonderegger’s insights into the problem of evil, highlighting God’s compassionate presence through Jesus’s tears.
• Therapeutic benefits of crying: understanding the mental, emotional, and physiological relief that comes from a good cry.
• Creating space for vulnerability: encouraging listeners to embrace their emotions and invite God into their most tender moments.

With practical advice for expressing emotions and a heartfelt prayer for comfort and healing, this episode offers a compassionate reminder that our tears can be a powerful form of worship and a pathway to experiencing God’s presence in our most vulnerable moments.

Ready for a good cry? Grab some tissues, invite Jesus into the mix, and let’s turn those tears into a sacred sob session. Because sometimes, a little holy waterworks is exactly what the soul needs!

Links and Resources

Learn How to Hack Your Crying with Erin Moon on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/erin.h.moon

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

https://a.co/d/0y0JgKh

Cassandra's "Cry Sesh" Playlist

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/cry-sesh/pl.u-V9D77Mpia3akkR

Katherine Sonderegger's Systematic Theology: The Doctrine of God, Volume 1

https://a.co/d/2QH1v20

Connect with Cass: https://www.cassandraspeer.com

Follow on Instagram @cassandralspeer

https://www.instagram.com/cassandralspeer

Join the conversation using #hardandholypodcast

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Whitney Lowe, a gifted Bible teacher and author of Set Your Eyes Higher. Whitney is a dynamic Christian influencer who disrupts the digital space with hope, peace, and biblical truth. She joins me to explore the importance of embracing true rest and avoiding the allure of counterfeit comfort in a world that constantly pulls at our attention.

Together, we dive into how genuine engagement with Scripture can refocus our hearts and minds, even in the midst of social media chaos. Whitney opens up about the significance of the Sabbath, spiritual rest, and how we can find peace amidst burnout and cultural pressures. Whether you’re navigating faith, community, or simply trying to stay grounded in the digital age, this episode is full of wisdom and practical strategies for finding rest in God’s presence.

Key Takeaways:

• True Rest vs. Counterfeit Comfort: How to recognize and avoid the traps of superficial rest.
• Faith in the Digital Age: Insights on maintaining a Christ-centered perspective online and in real life.
• Sabbath and Spiritual Rest: The biblical importance of rest and how to apply it in a fast-paced world.
• Navigating Burnout: Practical tips for managing exhaustion through faith and community.
• Walking in Love and Truth on Social Media: Whitney’s strategies for engaging authentically while protecting your peace.

I hope this conversation inspires you to set your eyes higher and find true rest in Jesus.

Connect with Whitney: https://www.scribbledevos.com/

IG - @scribbledevos (Whit, page isn’t loading, I’m sure you know ?)

FB: scribbledevos

TikTok: @wpiersonlowe

Set You Eyes Higher: https://www.amazon.com/Set-Your-Eyes-Higher-Devotional/dp/0310464404

In this episode, I’m joined by one of my closest friends, Bethny Ricks, who has been a steadfast source of support in my own journey—especially when hope felt hard to hold on to.

Bethny is the author of Face Forward: Reclaiming Hope When Everything Falls Apart, and today, she opens up about her personal story of navigating life’s toughest hardships, including divorce, single parenthood, and severe health challenges. Her journey from being a senior executive—named one of America’s Top 100 African Americans in Business, twice—to pivoting toward her passion for writing and speaking has given her a unique perspective on leadership and resilience.

With over two decades of leadership experience in multi-billion-dollar companies, Bethny’s insights are unmatched. But it’s her heart for helping others through their darkest seasons that truly sets her apart.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The role of mentors in navigating life’s challenges
• The battle for self-worth and confidence in the face of hardship
• The importance of community and faith in fostering resilience

Bethny shares how God’s unwavering faithfulness carried her through some of her darkest times and how hope can be reclaimed, even when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

Whether you’re facing struggles or need a reminder of the hope that’s waiting on the other side, this episode offers deep insights and practical advice.

Follow Bethny @Bethnyricks @Jesusledbiblefed

Buy Bethny's book Face Forward: https://a.co/d/7wlzeGG

Connect with Bethny: https://www.bethnyricks.com/