Hey Sistas,
God has been helping me practice Shalom with Body Shame this season and this is what I've learned.
Links mentioned in the show:
Friends With Body Instagram Post
Gilmore Girls on Pop Culture Happy Hour
Shalom and Shopping and Trying on Outfits in the Family Dressing Room,
Osheta
Today, Cara and I talk about the Roadmap to Reconciliation written by Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil. We also share our candid responses to the question, "how are you doing?" in light of the election of a man who we both feel like has not modeled a heart or desire for racial justice in this country. It's one of the realest and most honest conversations we've ever had on Shalom. I hope you enjoy it.
Here's our Shalom Steps for Racial Reconciliation
1: Prepare your Heart
2: Prepare your Mind
3: Prepare your Community
Books we love on this topic:
Prophetic Lament (Soong-Chan Rah); Rescuing Jesus: How People of Color, Women and Queer Christians are Reclaiming Evangelicalism (Deborah Jian Lee); Embrace (Leroy Barber); America’s Original Sin (Jim Wallis); The Other Wes Moore (Wes Moore); United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity (Trillia J. Newbell)
Where to find us online:
The Shalom Sista Hangout: Perfect place to keep the conversation going
Cara is pretty active on Twitter and her website
Osheta is on Instagram (Oshetam), Facebook, and of course the Shalom in the City website.
Shalom and staring racism down,
Osheta
Today on the show, I'm chatting with Jennifer Dukes Lee, story-teller, grace-dweller, wife to a farmer, mama of two and one of my new favorite authors. Today we talk about happiness— the theology of it, the science of it, and the how to embrace it right where we are.
We talk about her new book, "The Happiness Dare" and how true happiness makes space for lamenting. We discuss a quiz she created that has already made me a better mom and we learn about her perfect day in her farm town in Iowa— definitely not a city, but still so much fun! It's a really great conversation and I hope you listen.
Links we mention in the episode:
Cool Finds Based on the Show:
On Negativity Bias
"Overcoming your Negativity Bias" New York Times article
One Ferguson
"Terrible, Beautiful, Fearless" My reflections after visiting Ferguson
How to Find Jennifer Online
Shalom and Quizzes, and Embracing My Happiness Style,
Osheta
Today on the show, I'm chatting with Kacie Feeney, one of the owners and designer of Persimmon Prints.
Persimmon Prints is a faith-based business, which produces ethically-made women’s clothing. Persimmon’s mission is to help others FIX their hearts on God, FILL their lives with His word, and FIGHT for those in need.
With a percentage of each purchase, Kacie and her husband, Patrick financially support our The Good Shepherd Agricultural Mission (Christian-based orphanage) in Banbasa, India.
We talk about more than beautiful and ethically made clothing, though (which we do!) Kacie share with us about her journey with infertility. After she shares her story, she gives some fantastic guidance on how to love our sistas struggling with infertility and the ways community was a source of joy for her.
There's also a chance at the end of the episode for you to win a "choose joy" hoodie (see I told you we talk about beautiful clothing).
It's a fantastic episode and I can't wait for you to hear it.
Links we mention in the episode:
Follow Kacie and Persimmon Prints:
Join the Conversation on Infertility and Shalom in the Hangout
Shalom and Hoodies and Loving Our Sistas Well,
Osheta
On the podcast today is the seventh edition of the “Shalom Book Club” where once a month, my friend Cara Meredith joins me to talk about a book. Like I said in the first episode of this series this is partly to solve a very real problem I have- I simply can’t work in a book club in my week here in L.A.. This month we read the “Love Warrior" By Glennon Doyle Melton.
Stats:
259 pages, 15 chapters + epilogue, prologue
Author: Glennon is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Carry On, Warrior, and Love Warrior. She is also the founder of Momastery, an online community reaching millions of people each week, and creator and president of Together Rising—a non-profit organization that has raised over four million dollars for families around the world through its Love Flash Mobs, which have revolutionized online giving.
Glennon is a sought-after public speaker and her work has been featured on the TODAY Show, The Talk, OWN, and NPR and in The New York Times, Ladies’ Home Journal, Glamour, Family Circle, Parents Magazine, Newsweek, Woman’s Day, and in other television and print outlets. Glennon lives in Florida with her family.
Context: LOVE WARRIOR is about infidelity, betrayal and redemption. It’s about how our ideals of femininity and masculinity can make it impossible for a woman and a man to actually know each other. It’s about how to use crisis as a springboard to a truer identity and a better life. It’s about parenting our kids through pain. It’s about friendships that hurt and friendships that heal. It’s about faith that shackles women and faith that liberates women. It’s about how to finally find peace in your own damn skin. It's about shameless sex, God, food, drugs, porn and tenderness—and how the dirt and the divine are so often inseparable.
Carry On Warrior: The Power of Embracing Your Messy Beautiful Life By Glennon
Momastery: Glennon's amazing website
All things Cara:
Cara's Site:
Warrioring On and Choosing Subversive Joy in my body, my friendships, and family,
Osheta
I'm so excited for y'all to meet Carrie Wilson. I learned about Carrie and her ministry to women who have been diagnosed with STDs when I heard her on Jamie Ivey's podcast interview with Jamie Golden. Carries is passionate about create safe spaces for women who struggle with sexual shame in the church, specifically those who have been diagnosed with an STD. She knows that isolation and shame well, not too long ago, Carrie was diagnosed with HSV 2 and if it were not for loving leaders in the church coming alongside her she wouldn't have been able to find joy and purpose even after her rock bottom moment. What's subversive about her joy is that historically, the church has not been a safe and kind place who have sexual pasts but Carrie listens to God's call to change that on her church campus, she created "New" a small group for women in her church to find the joy of authentic and kind community. I just love our conversation and can't wait for you to listen.
Shame in the church
The prayer campaign that started it all
The value of a strong support system.
on Facebook
(this is her personal page, so make sure you message her before friend-ing her)
on Instagram
This month all our episodes will be around the theme "we will choose subversive joy". So this month I have some pretty fabulous shows planned for you:
Oct 3: Carrie Wilson (Joy after hitting rock bottom)
Oct. 7: Shalom Book Club! Cara and I will discuss "Love Warrior"
Oct. 10: Kelly Gordon (Sabbath: enjoying the life you have)
Oct. 17: Kacie Feeny of Persimmon Prints (Joy after infertility) + A GIVEAWAY!
Oct. 21: The Happiness Dare with Jennifer Dukes Lee (giveaway winner announced)
Oct. 24: Katherine Wills Pershey, "Very Married" in difficult times and joyful times.
Oct. 28th: Shalom Book Club! Cara and I will discuss "Roadmap to Reconciliation"
Oct. 31th: GILMORE GIRLS themed show.
Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss a week of joy on the podcast.
Keep the conversation going over at the Shalom Sistas’ Hangout where Carrie and I will be answering questions or cheering you on as you consider joining a small group or even starting a group.
If you learned something, laughed, or smile during the episode please leave a review in iTunes, it helps other women find the show.
Shalom in your earbuds,
Osheta
Today's guest is one of my favorite women, Victoria Tiedemann. She and I only know each other from online— we're both Anabaptist women bloggers who love fashion and justice...were were bound to meet and become friends. Victoria is passionate about ending modern day slavery, she's what some call an abolitionist. She tells us about the Justice Network and how she started working with them to educate others about human trafficking and she gives us some VERY SPECIFIC ways we can practice shalom when we shop. You are going to love how practical and fun this episode is.
What we talk about:
Non-consumable ethical & Fair Trade list of goods:
https://justice-network.org/resources/fairtrade/
Ethical and Fair Trade chocolate (GREAT for Halloween)
https://justice-network.org/resources/chocolate-companies/
Victoria's blog, "Justice Pirate" is here
Keep the conversation going over at the Shalom Sistas' Hangout where Victoria and I will be answering questions or cheering you on as you practice shalom while you shop.
If you learned something, laughed, or smile during the episode please leave a review in iTunes, it helps other women find the show.
Shalom in your earbuds,
Osheta
Welcome to the sixth edition of the “Shalom Book Club” where once a month, my friend Cara Meredith joins me to talk about a book. Like I said in the first episode of this series this is partly to solve a very real problem I have- I simply can’t work in a book club in my week here in L.A.. This month we read the “The Geek’s Guide to Unrequited Love’ by Sarvenaz “Sarv” Tash.
Stats:
249 pages, 26 chapters
Authors: Sarvenaz “Sarv” Tash was born in Tehran, Iran, and grew up on Long Island, New York. She received her BFA in film and television from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. That means she got to spend most of college running around making movies (it was a lot of fun). She has dabbled in all sorts of writing, including screenwriting, copywriting, and professional tweeting. Sarv currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. New mom!
Context: Graham met his best friend, Roxy, when he moved into her neighborhood eight years ago and she asked him which Hogwarts house he’d be sorted into. Graham has been in love with her ever since. But now they’re sixteen, still neighbors, still best friends. And Graham and Roxy share more than ever - moving on from their Harry Potter obsession to a serious love of comic books.
When Graham learns that the creator of their favorite comic, The Chronicles of Althena, is making a rare appearance at this year’s NYCC, he knows he must score tickets. And the event inspires Graham to come up with the perfect plan to tell Roxy how he really feels about her. He’s got three days to woo his best friend at the coolest, kookiest con full of superheroes and supervillians. But no one at a comic book convention is who they appear to be ...even Roxy. And Graham is starting to realize fictional love stories are way less complicated than real-life ones.
He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt
32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter
Princess Bride— the best motion picture ever...well in my biased opinion ;)
Cara and I are so excited this book has been sitting our in our to be shipped (or downloaded) queue for months. We both pre-ordered it, pretty much the moment Glennon announced it was ready.
Buy your copy and get ready for a great discussion on Shalom and Marriage next month on the podcast.
Falling in love, Awesomely 80's references, Comic-Con Dreams, and Shalom
Osheta
On the show today I talking to one of my favorite women, Melanie Dale.
Melanie runs the website, Unexpected where she writes about motherhood, friendships, infertility, adoption, orphan care, and so much more. What I love about her site is it feels like one big hug and then a completely satisfying belly laugh. Melanie is also the author of two books: Women Are Scary: The Totally Awkward Adventure of Finding Mom Friends and It's Not Fair: Learning to Love the Life You Didn't Choose.
We talk about that "It's Not Fair" on the episode since it just released LAST WEEK! Whoo-hoo! Go, Mel!
In fact, I loved this book so much I have an extra copy to give away; directions are in the podcast episode.
On the podcast we talk about the Shalom Sista Manifesto point, "We Will Choose Subversive Joy". She gives is the best advice on motherhood and laughter, she's gives us permission to own our feelings, and she her end of the show quote is spot on!
It was a really great conversation and I hope you'll take a listen.
Practicing the Shalom of Laughter,
Osheta
Cara and I discuss the book the Knock-off, if we feel old (even though one of us, is a true Millennial), and how to have relationships with women and NOT lose our minds.
Join us for next month's book, "The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love"
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Today I have on Jamie Ivey from the Happy Hour podcast.
I’ve been listening to Jamie’s show several years now and she’s actually a huge inspiration to me so when she said yes to coming onto the show I kinda did a happy dance all across my living room. True story. The reason why and why you’ll find out soon in our conversation today about her work in a prison ministry with Redeemed Ministries is that Jamie is incredibly genuine, intelligent, and passionate. Her desire to make Jesus known and to offer her support to women in need is infectious. You simply want to be better after listening to Jamie. Which is why her podcast is a favorite of mine. Today Jamie share with us sex trafficking opened her eyes to the needs of women in jails, how the book Just Mercy by Brian Stevenson opened her heart to have compassion for people entangled in the justice system, and how Redeemed Ministries is opening doors for her to love and encourage women trying to overcome the hard things in their lives that landed them in jail. It’s a really inspiring conversation and I hope you stick around.
Links mentioned in the episode:
Sign up for the Shalom in the City Newsletter to find the Shalom Steps and next steps if you want to seek wholeness for women who are incarcerated.
Redeemed Ministries is the organization Jamie works with and they exist “To bring Christ’s loving redemption and amazing liberation within our communities by providing environments conducive for holistic healing and guiding adult survivors of domestic sex trafficking to healthy, productive and independent living.”
http://redeemedministries.com/
Books* that helped Jamie form this practice of Shalom:
"Girls Like Us: Fighting for a World Where Girls Are Not For Sale: A Memoir" by Rachel Lloyd
Just Mercy A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
*affiliate links
Jamie's end show quote came from a song by Sara Groves
Next week we have Kelly Gordon from Love Well Blog and the Sorta Awesome podcast to talk about self-care, Sabbath, and shalom.
Until then...
Shalom in your earbuds,
Osheta
From Amazon:
"There are hundreds of metaphors for God, but the church only uses a few familiar images: creator, judge, savior, father. In Wearing God, Lauren Winner gathers a number of lesser-known tropes, reflecting on how they work biblically and culturally, and reveals how they can deepen our spiritual lives."
Exploring the notion of God as clothing, Winner reflects on how we are “clothed with Christ” or how “God fits us like a garment.”
In this "Shalom Book Club" episode, Cara and I discuss "Wearing God" by Lauren Winner.
Have you ever picked up a book and wanted to love it so much but something keeps you from diving in? Yeah...that's a little how Cara and I felt about "Wearing God" we both love Winner and we both wanted to jump right into the book, but we both had a hard time. Cara read it last year so it was a re-read for her, I started is last summer and couldn't finish it. As we chatted on the podcast, we realized that maybe it wasn't the book, but the season. We both think Lauren F. Winner is the perfect author to read in the cooler months. So we chat a bit about what happens when you're struggling with a book and how to reconcile the voracious reader in you with that sense of obligation that you must finish a book you start.
We also share our favorite essays, and how we're both finding God in the every bit of our lives— adjusting to gluten-free eating and walking around downtown L.A.
It's a really fun conversation and I hope you enjoy it.
Don't forget to join us later this month when we discuss, "The Knockoff"
Shalom in your Earbuds, Y'all!
~Osheta
I’m so thankful for my friend, Alice Colegrove.
For nearly twenty years, Alice has worked on initiatives to help youth and young adults exit homelessness. She has worked on the issue of homelessness at nearly every level including local direct service, city and state policy initiatives, and national academic forums. Locally, she has over fifteen years of direct service experience, including street outreach with homeless youth and young adults in Boston and Cambridge, MA, and she is an active member of the advisory board for the Y2Y youth shelter in Harvard Square.
And today she came on the podcast to tell us her story and teach us about homelessness and what we can do to alleviate the suffering of so many people. This episode was particularly special for me because of the make up of our church, we're so close to Skid Row and oftentimes I feel out of my depth. I know I want to help and I'm moved by the need every time I drive downtown, but I don't know where to being.
Alice really spoke to those concerns and gave me the pep talk I need. If you've been wondering where you fit in to God's story of shalom for those experiencing homelessness, I know this is an episode you'll love.
I’m amazed at her story; as a young girl in D.C. she had a heart for persons experiencing homelessness. I loved her person-centered language in “say this not that” segment and how she encouraged us to learn the names of the homeless we meet.
I was so challenged by that!
Alice empowered us with the Shalom Steps of:
I also appreciated her thoughts on when you first start to volunteer at a homeless shelter that go along with Shalom Step #1:
Instead of thinking about what you're doing, think about but you're seeing and let that guide you on what to do next.
When I’m downtown L.A. I want to have courage and compassion to make eye contact and say hello.
On this Episode We Walk About
What a day in the life of a youth experiencing homelessness looks like.
The answer to the question, “Should I give change to a homeless person”
How she balances motherhood and ministry
The biggest needs and challenges for homeless youth.
It was a really important conversation for me, especially since I've been thinking about this putting together the homeless care packages from last episode with my kiddos, but didn't want to do it just to pat myself on the back, I wanted it to mean something. With Alice's advice to "check my heart" and funnel my desire to help alleviate the suffering of those experiencing homelessness through the lens of Micah 6:8, I feel to energized to seek shalom of homeless youth and young adults.
Shalom in your earbuds, Sistas!
~Osheta
My guest on the podcast this week is Rachel Hollis. Rachel Hollis the brilliant founder of the Chic Site, head of the #chictribe and one of the most authentic women I've ever met.
I've followed her site for almost a year now and I can tell y'all that every single time I read a post or watched a #RachTalk I thought, 'This woman is practicing Shalom in such a profound and important way' so I knew eventually I'd invite her to come onto the show. Then last Christmas, I attended a holiday party with a purpose at the Chic Site's headquarters just minutes from my house and I KNEW I needed to have her come teach us how to #PartywithPurpose and how she practices shalom in her everyday life. It was an incredible conversation.
We talk about everything from her upbringing as a PK (pastor's kid) and how that inspired her to see the sacred in gathering people together. She share with us the how the ChicShows Up Christmas Event came to be— which I have to say, y'all was a highlight of our first Christmas in L.A.
What I loved most about the event was that is was crazy festive, (I got my Mariah Carey "All I want for Christmas" sing on, for sure), but it was SHALOM IN ACTION. All of us worked to create a Christmas care package for families transitioning from homeless into their new homes.
CRAFTS for the babies. Rachel thoughtfully planned these packages to love on every single person in the family. What an amazing Shalom Sista!
I was working at the pumpkin pie mason jars station. I smelled amazing at the end of the event!
Pier One partner with the Chic Site by providing cute aprons for the care packages.
Even Rachel's family showed up to party with a purpose.
Here's Rachel's Shalom Steps to help us ease into gathering and loving people with a purpose.
How Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker that changed her life
Her favorite coffee shop is Priscilla's in Burbank, which since we tape the show (back in March) I've visited at least once as week, y'all. I have a problem :).
She's involved in Door of Hope, a faith-based organization in Los Angeles whose mission is to equip homeless families and rebuild their lives.
and her book series, "The Girls" was a spark of joy and Jesus' way of saying, "I see you, Osheta. You need to laugh right now" for me when my mother in law died last fall.
She also mentions these homeless care packages that she keeps in her care. I'm so moved by the needs of the homeless community and I'm always asking God how to practically care for them, especially in this season of mothering, these were genius. Go to her post on it for a video walk through how to do these packages with your kiddos...methinks there's a #SummerofShalom Instagram party op here...
Finally, we're kicking off the #SummerofShalom Instagram Challenge next Monday so don't forget to download (or claim) your FREE SUMMER GIFT here. Follow me on Instagram @OshetaM to see how I practice Shalom this summer. https://www.instagram.com/oshetam/
Shalom in your earbuds Sistas,
Osheta
My guest on the podcast this week is Sarah Quezada. Sarah and I write for some of the same places and so we've been cheering each other on on the interwebs, but I feel for her over chips and salsa when I was in Atlanta this past fall after the Allume conference.
Sarah Quezada is the author of the blog, "A Life With Subtitles" where she writes about living a multicultural life in Atlanta, GA with her Guatemalan husband and two talkative kiddos!
Today's episode is a follow up to my book club conversation with Cara Meredith on the book, "Esperanza Rising". Since so much of the book focuses on the struggle of the immigrant worker in California during the Depression Era and we see glimpses of the gaps in the immigration policies in America, I thought it was important to bring on my friend to share her story of falling for an undocumented worker and EVERYTHING they've gone through to secure his citizenship.
Check out "Immigration Love Story"! It's a fantastic detailing of her love story with Billy in three parts.
Her "Say This, Not That" section was fantastic and I'm so inspired by her Shalom Steps.
"Christians at the Border: Immigration, the Church, and the Bible" M. Daniel Carroll
"Welcoming the Stranger" by Matthew Soerens
Follow Matthew on Twitter: @MatthewSoerens
Brunch Spot: The Majestic Diner
Coffee Shop: Community Grounds
Urban Oasis: Grant Park
Date Night: Barnes and Noble
I'm really motivated to learn more about immigration in our country. I'm taking to heart the words of MLK:
Don't forget to claim your hard copy of the #SummerofShalom printable. They're going out in the mail on Monday so that you get them in time for the first official day of Summer, June 20th.
You can follow Sarah on her blog and Twitter.
As always, you can continue the conversation in the Shalom Sistas Hangout.
Shalom in your earbuds, y’all!
~Osheta
Esperanza thought she’d always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico–she’d always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn’t ready for the hard labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When their new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances–Mama’s life, and her own, depend on it.
In this episode, Cara and I chat about, "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Munoz Ryan.
I feel like Sanda Sherdin, a listener said in the hangout sums up everything we loved about the book:
I really loved the perspective on the era, immigration, the struggle of migrant workers, and prejudices. Stories like this are huge at developing empathy for people in positions we otherwise wouldn't even know how to imagine. More than anything though, I loved the identity story. Esperanza first found her identity in her father, her status, and her pretty things. When those were sadly and undeservedly stripped away, she began to learn and reveal who she really was all along: a beautiful girl, inside and out, full of fight and hope! She discovered and revealed that her richness had nothing to do with her circumstances after all.
We both loved the change of pace with choosing a middle grade book and we found so many parallels between Esperanza's story and many people in our country who are either undocumented or navigating an immigration system that's full of gaps. We both felt so energized to learn and explore the ways we can seek shalom for the foreigner. So next week, I've invited my friend, Sarah Quezada, the author of A Life with Subtitles to share tell her story of falling in love with a man who is an undocumented worker.
We also give an announcement that we're changing our summer books. We're still reading, "Wearing God: Clothing, Laughter, Fire, and other Overlooked Ways of Meeting God" by Lauren Winner, but we're changing the July and August books.
We hope you pop over to the hangout and share your thoughts on Shalom Sista Hangout and to get the skinny on the new books we've chosen for July and August.
Grab your copy of, "Wearing God" and join us next month.
Also, have you downloaded your FREE #SummerofShalom Guide yet? No? Well you can do that here.
Shalom My Sistas,
Osheta
Hey Sistas,
Toady's episode is all about celebrating the ways you're practicing Shalom in your everyday lives. I'm joined by my friend, Abby Perry and we share the ways we've seen Shalom in the media this past month, we cheer on our listeners who shared their stories of Shalom, and we introduce our really fun #SummerofShalom Instagram Challenge!
Abby is the writer behind the blog, "Joy Woven Deep". She's a mom of two in College Station, Texas who loves Jesus, personality types, books, television, and movies! She kicks off the episode by sharing her primary practices of Shalom, is caring for her boys, supporting the foster care community by offering them date night childcare through the "childcare pantry", and leading a local cohort of "Be The Bridge to Racial Unity", a community of people with a common goal to see healthy dialogue around the topic of race.
Today's episode is short and sweet. An Annoucement and answer to a listener named Heidi about Kristin Schell's perfect day in Austin...what happened to it? It wasn't in her episode. Well I explain what happened and then play it for you in this episode.
I also give a fun announcement.
Check the link to Kristin's episode for the recipe for the Chicken Marbella
http://shalominthecity.com/2016/03/30/podcast-episode-o5-meet-shalom-sista-kristin-schell/
See ya next week with our Celebrate Shalom episode with Abby Perry!
Signup for the "Shalom in the City" Newsletter
here
shalominthecity.com
Follow me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/oshetam/
My guest on the podcast this week is Jessica Kelley. Jess is a dear friend of mine who share with us her story of loss. When her son, Henry was five years old, he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Within the year, he passed away. Jess share with us that her primary practice of shalom, seeking wholeness where there is brokenness in to share a picture of God in the midst of our suffering that’s altogether lovely, beautiful, and good. Jess and I laugh, we’re vulnerable about our own losses and we cry. It’s just like if we were sitting on my couch talking about being Mamas in a broken world and I really hope you take a listen.
Jessica Kelley is a writer, speaker, and survivor of child loss. She has a B.S. in Psychology, a M.S. in Counseling & Human Development, and experience as a School Counselor. Born and raised in the South, Jessica now lives with her husband and five-year-old daughter in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She survives the absurdly long winters by going to the gym, dreaming about the beach, and eating copious amounts of chocolate. You can find her processing her faith journey at JessicaKelley.com.
We talk about our own grief, yes, but we also talk about how to be a faithful comforter to those around us in grief, and Jess gives us these fantastic “Shalom Steps”
I want to give away a copy of this book. It’s a powerful testimony of God’s love for us when we’re in pain and it’s beautifully written
You can follow Jess:
JessicaKelley.com
LordWillingBook.com
@JessInProcess
https://www.facebook.com/jessicalkelley
https://www.instagram.com/jessicalkelley
To win your copy of “Lord Willing”, pop over to Instagram, follow me, and on Mother’s Day, I’ll give one copy away.
Shalom my Sweet Sistas,
Osheta
Hey Sistas,
Cara and I had a blast talking about "Bad Feminist" written by Roxane Gay on the podcast today.
A collection of essays spanning politics, criticism, and feminism from one of the most-watched young cultural observers of her generation, Roxane Gay.
“Pink is my favorite color. I used to say my favorite color was black to be cool, but it is pink—all shades of pink. If I have an accessory, it is probably pink. I read Vogue, and I’m not doing it ironically, though it might seem that way. I once live-tweeted the September issue.”
We talk about how Sarah Bessey's book, "Jesus Feminist" prepped us to read this book from a whole place. We share our favorite essays (yay), and the ones that didn't quite speak to us, (nay...or more accurately.. meh), we touch on the differences between feminism and womanism, and, of course, Cara sings
We give shout outs to the Sistas who shared their thoughts of the book over at the Shalom Sista Hangout.
Ashley Ford's thoughts were SO SPOT ON!
I love the grace in it. For ourselves and each other. She's unequivocal in her declaration of how necessary the peace-making practice of feminism is, while also holding that it, and she, is no perfect. She won't let that stop her march toward wholeness though. And it's an encouragement not to let it stop us either.
You could, of course, extrapolate that idea out to any practice of shalom, which I think is the greater truth here.
It was a fabulous conversation and we hope you love it too!
Don't forget to get your copy of, "Esperanza Rising" for next month's book club from the Shalom Bookstore*.
Esperanza thought she’d always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico–she’d always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn’t ready for the hard labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When their new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances–Mama’s life, and her own, depend on it.
BTW...Doesn't this cover give you, Beyonce's "Hold Up" vibe from "Lemonade"?
We hope you pop over to the hangout and share your thoughts on, “Bad Feminist” and if you’re reading, “Esperanza Rising” with Cara and me let us know.
Your thoughts and questions are super important to our conversations.
Join us in the Hangout here
Get your copy of, "Esperanza Rising" here
A Raising a tall glass of Lemonade to you my Shalom Sistas,
Osheta
*Affiliate link...your purchase in the Shalom Book Store will help keep the podcast lights on
My guest on the podcast this week is Kori Williamson. I learned so much from her. She’s thoughtful, kind, and you’re going to wanna run out to Lowe's and get a compost bin. You know, tomorrow is Earth Day and I never know what to do! I know that when we think about Shalom, we think about wholeness in our relationships, in systems, and the Earth itself, but that last part feels so inaccessible to me. What does recycling and conserving water have to do with wholeness? And more than that, how can I work it into my life without being all or nothing! By the end of my conversation with Kori, I not only felt like I could do something to care for the Earth as a practice of Shalom but I felt so much grace for the moments I forget to recycle or my garden is a huge failure. I'm actually excited about tomorrow I hope you'll listen to today's episode and get excited too. We have a great time talking about creation care, documentaries, and of course, "The Lorax"!
The first episode of the Shalom in the City's books club episode. In the book club episode, Cara and I discuss, "The Light of the World", by Elizabeth Alexander.
In THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, Elizabeth Alexander finds herself at an existential crossroads after the sudden death of her husband. Channeling her poetic sensibilities into a rich, lucid price, Alexander tells a love story that is, itself, a story of loss. As she reflects on the beauty of her married life, the trauma resulting from her husband’s death, and the solace found in caring for her two teenage sons, Alexander universalizes a very personal quest for meaning and acceptance in the wake of loss.
In this episode, we deep dive into the two major themes of the book: death (obs) and identity. We also laugh, share deep, dark confessions, and Cara breaks out into song.
We also answer a question from a listener posted to the Shalom Sistas' Hangout
The passage that stands out most to me is on p.93 about Alexander's parents' response to her husband's death and the quote,
"To be a parent is to be terra firma, to stand, is to be planted in the earth." Having dealt with grief myself as a parent, I've wondered how much I should shelter my kids and how much to share. How do we help them with their own grief without traumatizing them with ours?
Over all we have a great time and can't wait to jump into our next book selection, "Bad Feminist"
A collection of essays spanning politics, criticism, and feminism from one of the most-watched young cultural observers of her generation, Roxane Gay.
“Pink is my favorite color. I used to say my favorite color was black to be cool, but it is pink—all shades of pink. If I have an accessory, it is probably pink. I read Vogue, and I’m not doing it ironically, though it might seem that way. I once live-tweeted the September issue."
We hope you pop over to the hangout and share your thoughts on, "The Light of the World" and if you're reading, "Bad Feminist" with Cara and me let us know. Your thoughts and questions are super important to our conversations.
A Bookish Kind of Shalom to you my Sistas,
Osheta
My guest on the podcast this week is Margot Starbuck. I love Margot so much. She’s funny and whip-smart and you're going to love my conversation with her about her community, "North Street Neighborhood", a neuro-diverse community built around person with disability. We break down some terms and she gives us the most incredibly Shalom Steps. You know, I sometimes feel so out of depth when it comes to being a good friend to persons with disabilities. But by the end of my conversation with Margot, I was so empowered that I rallied my kids to go to the upcoming Special Olympics and..y'all...IT WAS AMAZING! I hope you take a listen because there's some good stuff for everyone of us in this episode. Plus, we laugh...a lot!
I've known about Margot for a little bit now because I review books for one of her publishers, Herald Press.
Books/Authors Mentioned in the Episode*
*As always, if you use the links to the "Shalom Bookstore" to purchase your books, then a few pennies will be kicked over to me to keep the podcast up and running.
Margot mentioned a fun video of an impromptu concert with her neighbors and friends from Urban Promise in the show. Here's that video:
I seriously wanna move to Durham, y'all! Wait...what am I talk about? I love LA, I need to come alongside a Friendship House here and help create shalom through dancing and singing just like this.
I hope you love today's episode and if you do let me know by leaving a reaview on iTunes. Did ya'll know "Shalom in the City" made New and Noteworthy last week? It did! I'm so thrilled. The more weeks it can stay on the list, the easier it'll be for fellow shalom sistas to find the show. So, pop over and leave a review when you get a chance.
Eeep!
You can learn more about the North Street Neighborhood on their site. You can find Margot on her site, Margostarbuck.com or follow her on Facebook.
As always, you can continue the conversation in the Shalom Sistas Hangout.
Shalom in your earbuds, y'all!
~Osheta
My guest on the podcast this week is Kristin Schlle. Y’all. She’s kind and welcoming and incredibly generous, not just with her time, but her encouragement too. I hope you take a listen because she's also incredibly practical on the topic of hospitality which is the practice of Shalom she's most passionate about.
You may know Kristin as the "Turquoise Table Lady", she's the founder of the Turquoise Table movement. She put a picnic table in her front yard, painted it turquoise, and began inviting neighbors, friends, and even strangers, to hang out and do life together at The Turquoise Table. A new concept of hospitality unfolded in her neighborhood, and before long The Turquoise Table led to a movement of Front Yard People—ordinary people who long to create community right where they live.
A gatherer at heart, Kristin brings people together for delicious food and stories at her table and online home www.kristinschell.com.
She also shares with us a recipe for this amazing dish which she says is a crowd-pleaser and what she'd cook my husband and me if we visited her in Austin. I haven't made it yet, but I am going to the market today so maybe I'll grab the ingredients for Chicken Marbella:
Every episode, I ask our Shalom Sista to give us 2-5 practical next steps to help empower us if we feel inspired to share in her Shalom Practice.
Here’s Kristin's:
We're also hosting an Instagram giveaway this week. Pop over to my Instagram and find this picture, and tag one friend you think would love to learn more about the podcast, hospitality, or recipes.
You can find Kristin on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
Shalom my Sistas,
Osheta
Visit shalominthecity.com for show notes on this and every episode. Find us on Facebook Shalom Sistas’ Hangout or @oshetam on Instagram!
My guest on the podcast this week is Kathy Escobar. Y'all. She is wise and funny and so, so thoughtful. You're going to love everything she has to say about having hard conversations with people we disagree with and what peacemaking is (and is not). We both share a passion to take big concepts (like Shalom, like unity, like reconciliation, you know...so meta ;)) and making them practical so that we can actually live them out.
She tells us about a recent video series she did with The Work of the People, "Different Not Divided: A Third Way" with her co-pastor, Karl Wheeler about how they've navigated living together in unity while still honoring their differences at their church, "The Refuge".
From the "The Work of the People" website:
When we love our theology more than our brothers and sisters we are usually left with
only two options: 1. Create increasingly larger, theologically monolithic and
homogeneous churches, or 2. Disintegrate, fracture and eventually close the doors and
lose relationship with each other.
For almost 10 years in The Refuge community, we have tried to practice a third option--a
Third Way--where instead of fighting for our positions or fleeing for the safe haven of a
group that looks, thinks, and believes like us--we live in the tension of our difference.We are different, not divided.
And because practical application and providing awesome resources to the Body is something Kathy and I love to do, we've teamed up with Travis Reed over at "The Work of the People" to provide Shalom in the City listeners access to the videos and discussion guides. Normally you'd have to purchase these from the site, but we want to empower you, Shalom Sistas with this amazing resources to bring Shalom to your hard conversations and messy communities!
Just make sure you're subscribed to the "Shalom in the City Newsletter"
here:
shalominthecity.com
Shalom Steps:
Every episode, I ask our Shalom Sista to give us 2-5 practical next steps to empower our Shalom practice in our everyday lives.
Here's Kathy's:
1: Read the Beautitudes every day.
2: Practice Being Brave.
3:Show up. Tell the truth. Trust God. Let go of the outcome.
Perfect Day in her city: Denver:
1: Travel in her car.
2: Go to Snooze for brunch
3: Hang out at Standley lake with a cup of coffee from Global Goods.
4: Marvel at the mountains of Denver, they still surprise her after so many years in Colorado.
You can find Osheta on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
Visit shalominthecity.com for show notes on this and every episode. Find us on Facebook Shalom Sistas' Hangout or @oshetam on Instagram!
Shalom my Sistas,
Osheta