For so many, the holidays don’t always represent a time of joy, but trigger memories of painful past trauma, or reminders of deep loss. Whether we greet the holidays with anticipation or dread, we can all be a part of helping each other heal during the holidays. Small acts of kindness, beyond traditional Christmas gifts, can have a big impact in spreading love and creating positive change, especially during a time that brings mixed emotions for so many. 

Our first guests this week are digital creators Stevie and Sazan Hendrix. They share some tips about how to navigate the holidays, even when they are hard, and how to find hope even when things feel hopeless. Dr. Emily Smith, who is an epidemiologist at Duke University. Emily’s love for both science and people inspired her to help others answer some difficult questions. 

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Bo Stern

Upcoming interview: Christa Hardin

Thank you to our sponsor: BetterHelp.com/JesusCalling

Stevie and Sazan Hendrix

Leukemia

Bible

A Real Good Life

Dr. Emily Smith

Duke University

Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist

Luke 10:25-37 NIV

Mercy Ships

COVID

Ephesians 3 NIV

Hebrews 12:2 NIV

Psalm 27:4 NIV

The Science of the Good Samaritan

Interview Quotes:

“Sometimes life happens in the midst of holidays and exciting things and all the happenings and these unexpected, chaotic things happen, but you're still able to stop and see the good, find that hope in the hopeless moments.” - Sazan Hendrix 

“It's not these larger than life things, it's just these small little tokens of appreciation that you can pour into your community and it just is one little thing at a time. And what is that one thing you can do when you look around to help spread God's kingdom and His love?” - Sazan Hendrix

“As an epidemiologist, my job is to quantify the need for children in very low income, impoverished areas and then using that data to choose not to walk by. It's like the Good Samaritan story of where we see someone helping the person on the side of the road in some really tangible ways.” - Dr. Emily Smith 

“I think that what it looks like to be a good neighbor in today's world is just wherever you are, be a good human.” - Dr. Emily Smith 

“We don't have to do it all, but we can do what our great work is. I think if people can discern where they are and what great work they are doing, I think it helps not get so paralyzed.” - Dr. Emily Smith

“During Christmas, take some time to just breathe and maybe remember who has neighbored us well, to tell them thank you…it cost Jesus so much to be a Good Samaritan, but it gives us courage now to do the same.” - Dr. Emily Smith