Episode Summary:

Reverend Jessica Van Roekel joins me as a co-host as we take on the challenge of how to celebrate the holidays with hope, even when life isn’t merry. They explore common struggles such as grief, unmet expectations, loneliness, and the pressures of maintaining traditions. Offering both spiritual and practical tips, they share how to hold joy and sorrow simultaneously, lean into God's presence, and embrace meaningful rest during this season. Whether you're personally struggling or know someone who is, this episode provides encouragement and tangible ways to navigate the season with grace and hope.

Quotables from the Episode:

• "We can hold sorrow and joy simultaneously. God gives us grace to feel both and meet us there." — Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• "Social media is just a shadow of people’s lives—you see the shape, but not the details." — Rev. Jessica Van Roekel
• "Rest isn’t running away from life—it’s running to life in Him." — Rev. Jessica Van Roekel
• "Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." — Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• "If you’re lonely, invite someone into your loneliness—it creates community and shared comfort." — Rev. Jessica Van Roekel
• "We can celebrate the holidays even when life isn’t merry by holding both joy and sorrow, knowing God meets us right where we are." — Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• "Grief doesn’t follow a timeline—it ebbs and flows, and that’s okay." — Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• "When we abide in Him, even the busiest season can feel more manageable." — Rev. Jessica Van Roekel
• "We often extend grace to others but forget to offer that same grace to ourselves." — Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• "Loneliness during the holidays isn’t just about being alone; it’s about what feels missing." — Rev. Jessica Van Roekel
• "Doing the minimally acceptable is still celebrating—there’s no rule that says it has to be perfect." — Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Scriptures References:

• Psalm 30: "O Lord, my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. O Lord, you brought me up from the grave."
• Deuteronomy 31:8: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
• Romans 12:12: "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
• Galatians 6:9: "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
• Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."

Recommended Resources: 

• Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything By Jessica Van Roekel
• Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson 
• The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms  
• Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals
• YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day
• YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
• Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
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