Episodes

  • Marilette Sanchez on navigating identity crises.

    Marilette Sanchez on navigating identity crises.
    Jul 17 2024

    What do we do when we can’t do what we want to do?


    In this episode, Marilette Sanchez, a New Yorker as well as a field director with FamilyLife, shares her journey of navigating identity crises and finding purpose in her vocation amid life's challenges. Marilette shares her journey of giving up her dream of becoming a writer to become a missionary and then facing the struggle of balancing motherhood and ministry. She emphasizes the importance of finding purpose in our relationship with God and being open to the ways He may lead us in unexpected directions. The conversation highlights the idea that our identity crises can ultimately lead us back to our true purpose and a deeper understanding of ourselves and God.

    Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

    • Identity crises can be opportunities for growth and a deeper understanding of ourselves and God.
    • Finding purpose is not limited to a specific career or role, but is rooted in our relationship with God and being open to His leading.
    • Our vocation is more than just our career; it encompasses all aspects of our lives and how we live out our calling.
    • Trusting in God as the refiner and being open to His refining process can lead to a more intimate relationship with Him.
    • Our identity is not defined by external achievements or roles, but by our status as children of God.

    If you like this episode—and how could you not—you must read Marilette’s blog. You’ll be glad that you did.

    Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

    You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

    For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.



    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content
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    36 mins
  • Ryan Wekenman on the gift of singleness.

    Ryan Wekenman on the gift of singleness.
    Jul 10 2024

    Can you return the "gift" of singleness? Can you get store credit?


    In this episode, Raleigh Sadler and Ryan Wekenman, author of the new book Single Today, drawing from their personal experiences, explore the challenges of singleness and the significance of finding community and embracing the present moment. They candidly discuss the well-meaning but often hurtful comments single people receive and the societal pressure to find a spouse. Ryan shares his journey of self-discovery and learning to invite God into his singleness. Raleigh reflects on the gift of singleness and the need to reframe our perspective on singleness as an opportunity for growth and connection with God and others. The conversation is a deep dive into viewing singleness in a different light and finding gratitude in every stage of life. It underscores the importance of embracing weaknesses, owning who you are, and not comparing yourself to others. They even share their unique experiences of being single pastors and the misconceptions surrounding singleness. The main takeaway is a call to celebrate where you are, whether married or single.

    Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

    • Singleness can be challenging to discuss, as well-meaning comments can often be hurtful and lead to confusion and self-doubt. It's important to acknowledge these feelings and understand that they are valid. You are not alone in this journey.
    • Finding community and building meaningful relationships is important—they're essential—for both single and married individuals. This sense of connection can provide the support and understanding you need in your singleness journey.
    • Inviting God into our singleness and embracing the present moment can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
    • The gift of singleness, often misunderstood, should be reframed as a unique opportunity for personal growth and deep connection with God and others. It's a time to focus on self-discovery, self-acceptance, and building meaningful relationships.
    • Singleness is not a waiting period but a life-filled season filled with joys and opportunities.
    • Practicing gratitude and focusing on the present moment can help overcome past regrets and worries about the future.
    • Embrace your weaknesses and own who you are.
    • Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on celebrating where you are.
    • Find gratitude in every stage of life, including singleness.
    • Trust in God's love and plan for your life.
    • View singleness as an opportunity for growth and unique experiences.
    • Challenge misconceptions and stereotypes about singleness.


    If you like this episode—and how could you not—you must pick up a copy of Ryan’s new book, Single Today. You can also follow him on Instagram.

    Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

    You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

    For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.



    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content
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    45 mins
  • Jennifer Greenberg on how to experience defiant joy.

    Jennifer Greenberg on how to experience defiant joy.
    Jul 3 2024

    God doesn't give you more than you can handle, right?


    In this conversation, Jennifer Greenberg, author of the new book Defiant Joy, joins MercyCast to discuss the problem of Christian cliches and platitudes. We delve into how these cliches can be lazy and theologically inaccurate, potentially causing harm instead of providing help. Jennifer's journey, escaping an abusive childhood home and grappling with the misunderstanding of Christians who used platitudes instead of offering genuine support, forms a significant part of our discussion. We also underscore the importance of speaking out against abuse and defending the vulnerable in the church. Jennifer's emphasis on standing firm in the face of opposition and self-doubt and trusting God's faithfulness resonates deeply.

    Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

    • Let's not underestimate the harm that Christian cliches and platitudes can cause. They can be lazy and theologically inaccurate, and they can harm rather than help people. It's time we recognize this and make a change.
    • It is essential to offer genuine support and engage with others in their vulnerability rather than using cliches to avoid dealing with their struggles.
    • Speaking out against abuse and defending the vulnerable in the church is a moral obligation.
    • Standing firm and trusting God's faith is vital in facing opposition and self-doubt. Staying spiritually rooted in God is essential for personal growth and strength.
    • Finding a daily devotion practice that works for you, such as exploring topics of interest in the Bible, can deepen your relationship with God.
    • Maintaining an ongoing dialogue with God through prayer, even in everyday activities, can provide a sense of constant connection.
    • Experiencing God's presence and finding comfort in difficult times can strengthen faith and provide a sense of security.
    • Modifying our approach to God, such as finding a different church or worship style, can help overcome triggers and find healing.
    • Building a supportive community where genuine support and understanding are fostered is not only beneficial but crucial for personal growth and joy.
    • Modifying our approach to God, such as finding a different church or worship style that aligns with our needs, can be a transformative step toward healing and growth.


    Follow Jennifer on Instagram and X. Also, don't forget to read her new book, Defiant Joy.

    Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

    You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

    For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.



    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content
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    47 mins
  • Chuck and Ashley Elliott on the relationship between loss and identity.

    Chuck and Ashley Elliott on the relationship between loss and identity.
    Jun 26 2024

    The pain that we experience can illuminate where we have placed our identity.


    Chuck and Ashley Elliott, authors of a new book, I Used to Be ___: How to Navigate Large and Small Losses in Life and Find Your Path Forward, discuss the intersection of identity and loss, particularly in the context of recurrent miscarriage. They share their personal experiences and how they reacted incongruently to their identity. They emphasize the importance of facing loss and allowing oneself to be seen as they are in moments of pain. They also discuss the role of idols in our lives and the need to reset our identity in Christ. Gratitude is highlighted as a way to avoid idolatry and find healing during transition. In this conversation, Chuck and Ashley discuss the importance of inviting God into our negative spaces and facing our shame and fears. They emphasize the need to hold onto truth and scripture during transition and loss. They also highlight the value of building healthy habits and relationships in our everyday lives to prepare us for difficult times. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to embrace vulnerability and seek God's presence in their struggles.

    Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

    • Loss reveals where we place our trust and identity.
    • Facing loss is necessary for healing and growth.
    • In moments of pain, we must be seen as we are and seek support.
    • Idols can be revealed through pain, and resetting our identity in Christ is essential. This means reorienting our lives and priorities around our faith in Christ rather than worldly things or our own desires.
    • Gratitude, a powerful tool, can help us avoid idolatry and find healing in transition. By inviting God into our negative spaces and facing our shame and fears, we can begin to heal. This emphasis on gratitude and healing instills a sense of hope and optimism in our journey.
    • Hold onto truth and scripture during times of transition and loss.
    • Building healthy habits and relationships in your everyday life is not just a suggestion; it's a powerful tool to prepare for difficult times. This emphasis on empowerment and control can make the audience feel more confident navigating challenging times.
    • Embrace vulnerability and seek God's presence in your struggles.


    Learn more at chuckandashley.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Buy their new book, I Used to Be ___: How to Navigate Large and Small Losses in Life and Find Your Path Forward.

    Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

    You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

    For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.



    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content
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    54 mins
  • Jessica Hurlbut on moving from self-reliance to dependence on God.

    Jessica Hurlbut on moving from self-reliance to dependence on God.
    Jun 19 2024

    What does it mean to depend on God?


    In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Jessica Hurlbut, a pastor, podcast host, and author of Unlimited Motherhood. Jessica's story is one of unwavering strength and resilience as she shares her journey of raising two children with severe autism. Her experience has not only challenged her Faith and perfectionism but also inspired her to trust in God and let go of her need for control. Jessica's profound insights on the value of every human being, regardless of their abilities or achievements, are a testament to her unconditional love. The conversation delves into the theology of glory and the theology of the cross, shedding light on the struggle of perfectionism and the necessity to embrace suffering. It underscores the significance of leaning on God and relying on Him in difficult times. We explore the concept of Faith, urging listeners to focus on what they can do now rather than worrying about the future. The conversation also touches on the idea that God can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, even amid limitations and challenging circumstances.

    Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

    • Facing reality and admitting our struggles to God is essential to finding freedom and healing.
    • Raising children with special needs can challenge our Faith and perfectionism, but it can also teach us to trust God and let go of control.
    • Their abilities or achievements do not determine the value of a person but by the fact that they are created in God's image.
    • Parenting children with special needs can help us let go of societal expectations and love unconditionally.
    • Trials and challenges can lead us to rely on God and move from self-reliance to God dependency. We often have an inner theology of glory that believes life will go smoothly if we do all the right things. However, the theology of the cross teaches us that growth and dependence on God come through suffering.
    • Suffering can unite and connect us with others and with God. It is in our weakness and dependence on Him that we can experience His power and grace.
    • Instead of worrying about the future, focus on what you can do today. Take small steps of Faith and trust that God will show up and work in and through you.
    • God can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, regardless of our circumstances. Trust Him and lean on Him in all situations.
    • Embrace limitations and challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. God can use even the most challenging seasons of life to accomplish His purposes.


    You can get to know Jessica by starting at her website, Jessicahurlbut.com. Follow her on X, Instagram, and Facebook. Buy her new book, Unlimited Motherhood.

    Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

    You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

    For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.



    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content
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    45 mins
  • Flame on discovering grace outside of yourself.

    Flame on discovering grace outside of yourself.
    Jun 12 2024

    How important is our understanding of Theology?


    Flame, a Grammy-nominated and Stellar Award-winning hip-hop artist and author, shares his journey of theological transformation and the freedom he found in understanding the gospel. He discusses the importance of theology and the dangers of living by works instead of Grace. Flame emphasizes the need to revisit Scripture and church history to understand God's love and atonement better. He encourages listeners to find comfort in the gospel and to seek out a church that understands the word of God and sacraments. Flame also highlights the release of his album, Freedom Lessons, which brings Luther's Small Catechism into a contemporary context, making it more accessible and relatable for modern listeners.

    Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

    • Our theology shapes our lives and can sometimes lead us to live by works instead of Grace.
    • Questioning and reevaluating our beliefs can be a transformative journey, leading to a deeper understanding of God's love and Grace. This process, though challenging, can empower us to embrace a more profound faith.
    • A Christocentric focus and the belief in a universal atonement can bring profound comfort and freedom. This understanding of the gospel can reassure us of God's love and Grace, offering a beacon of hope in our lives.
    • Reexamining scripture and church history can help us better understand God's character. Study the origins of the Reformation, starting with Martin Luther and the church fathers, grasping the true Catholic faith.
    • Read the Book of Concord and other documents written in defense of ancient Christianity to explore the teachings of the Reformation.
    • Recognize that the gospel is something done to us, not just a mental exercise, and that the sacraments are physical means through which God's Grace is applied to us.
    • To find rest and freedom in Christ, seek the plain meaning of Scripture and a clear understanding of the law-gospel distinction.


    If you haven't heard Flame, check out his newest release, Freedom Lessons. Read his latest book, Extra Nos. Follow him on Instagram and X.

    Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

    You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

    For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.



    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content
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    44 mins
  • Justin Davis on transparency that leads to transformation.

    Justin Davis on transparency that leads to transformation.
    Jun 5 2024

    Authenticity is a buzzword. But why should it be important to us?


    In this episode, Justin Davis, USA Today Bestselling author of Being Real is Greater Than Being Perfect, and I explore the profound significance of authenticity and transparency in our relationships. We investigate the idea of projecting a false version of ourselves and the negative impact it can have. Justin shares his journey of behavioral modification, recounting the moment when it all came crashing down. His story is a testament to the fact that we all have our struggles. We underline the importance of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-denial in genuine transformation. We also discuss the power of confession and the liberation of being fully known and loved. Above all, we encourage you not just to accept but to embrace your imperfections and trust in the grace of God.

    Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

    • We often project a false version of ourselves to others, curating an image that may not be authentic.
    • Behavioral modification and image management can lead to a house of cards that eventually falls apart.
    • Being authentic and transparent is greater than striving for perfection.
    • Authenticity starts with self-awareness and self-acceptance.
    • Confession and vulnerability are essential for healing and transformation.
    • Dying to ourselves means putting away the false selves we've created and allowing the person of Jesus to live in us.
    • Desperation often leads to change and transformation.
    • Trusted relationships where we can be fully known and loved are crucial for living transparent lives.
    • Short-term misery for long-term transformation is a trade worth making.


    Learn more about Justin's work at Refine Us Ministries and buy his new book, Being Real is Greater Than Being Perfect. Follow him on X and Instagram.

    Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

    You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

    For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.



    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content
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    41 mins
  • Eric Schumacher on the gift of weakness.

    Eric Schumacher on the gift of weakness.
    May 29 2024

    Wait. Is weakness a good thing?


    Eric Shoemaker and I delve into weakness and vulnerability in this deeply personal conversation. We share our experiences and reflections, recounting moments when we felt weak and vulnerable and how we found strength in Christ. We explore the origins of weakness in the Garden of Eden and the consequences of sin, drawing parallels to our own lives. We also discuss the reality of death and the need for God's strength, sharing how we have personally experienced His strength in times of loss. This conversation is a testament to the importance of embracing weakness and finding strength in Christ, as we have seen it transform our lives. It underscores the biblical perspective on weakness and the transformative power of relying on God's strength. Eric Schumacher, in particular, shares how Jesus' display of weakness on the cross was a moment of great strength, demonstrating his victory over sin, Satan, and death. He emphasizes that through faith in Jesus, believers can find strength and security, not in their abilities or the approval of others, but in their union with Christ.


    Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

    • Weakness is inherent to human nature and is not a result of sin alone.
    • Recognizing and embracing our weaknesses allows us to experience God's strength.
    • God often works through the weakest and most vulnerable individuals to display His power.
    • Boasting in our weakness and trusting in Christ's power is a means of survival and a pathway to a life of dependence on God.
    • Weakness is not something to be feared but rather a gift that allows us to experience the transformative power of relying on God's strength. This realization can inspire us to live a life of faith and trust in Him, encouraging us to embrace our vulnerabilities and see them as opportunities for growth.
    • Jesus' display of weakness on the cross was a powerful act that defeated sin, Satan, and death.
    • Through faith in Jesus, we are united with Him in his life, death, resurrection, and future.
    • Our identity and security come from our union with Christ, not from the approval of others. This truth should reassure us and ground us in our faith, reminding us that our worth and security are not dependent on human validation.


    Did you know that Eric's last name is pronounced 'shoemaker?' It's important to understand this little fun fact so that it won't be weird if you meet. Find out everything else you want to know about Eric on his website, Emchumacher.com. Want to connect with him? Check out his daily updates on X, Facebook, and Instagram. If you like this conversation (or even if you don't, because, let's be honest, vulnerability can be a scary subject), buy his new book, The Gift of Weakness.

    Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

    You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

    For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.



    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content
    Show more Show less
    47 mins