Everyday Peacemaking Global Immersion

In this episode, Osheta processes a challenging experience of racism and her struggle to respond as a peacemaker when she was already depleted. The conversation explores the importance of self-care, acknowledging our triggers, and building an ‘infrastructure of support’ to remain grounded amidst everyday conflicts and tension. They emphasize the persistent presence of the Holy Spirit with us, the need for proactive preparation for difficult spaces, listening to our bodies, and how community is foundational to everyday peacemaking.
01:04 Osheta’s Shares an Encounter with Racism07:46 Discerning when to walk away10:06 Protecting the “other’s” belovedness14:45 infrastructure of support17:03 Preparing for difficult spaces18:36 listening to our bodies22:30 Resilience through the Spirit of God in us27:18 A Gentle Invitation
 
Learn more: globalimmerse.orgSupport our work: globalimmerse.org/donateTurning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

In this episode, Osheta and Jer explore hope and its paramount importance in Everyday Peacemaking, inspired by this season of Eastertide. They delve into how hope, seen as both a skill and a practice, is essential in looking for and participating in ‘little resurrections’ amidst life’s challenges and divisions. Through personal stories, they illustrate the power of adopting a ‘Yes, and...’ posture, which acknowledges difficulties while remaining open to the ever-present possibility of resurrection breaking forth in daily life. The conversation culminates with a call to embrace the ‘resurrection impulse’ as Everyday Peacemakers, seeking out and nurturing moments of new life and hope in both the mundane and the monumental.
00:40 Reflecting on Eastertide08:04 Little resurrections09:57 Story of counter-protestors22:04 Community and interior formation27:03 Moving closer31:11 Low stakes moments32:55 Closing Invitation
 
Learn more: globalimmerse.orgSupport our work: globalimmerse.org/donateTurning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

Our next Virtual Immersion conversation into the Israel/Gaza war wrestles with what to do as peacemakers when we drift into despair, give in to fear, or move in our anger from righteous indignation to dehumanizing rage. Jer Swigart is joined by Mercy Aiken and Bruce Fisk from the Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME), who are navigating these realities while fighting like peacemakers for an end to this suffering. The discussion is anchored in their personal stories of awakening to the injustices and complexities of the crisis, centered on the transition from being pro-Israel or pro-Palestinian to adopting a pro-human perspective. The conversation delves into the costs of taking such a stance, highlighting the personal, professional, and emotional tolls and the importance of solidarity and relationship-building in pursuing peace. The dialogue shifts to confronting feelings of despair, the challenges of maintaining hope, and the complexities of managing anger without dehumanizing the other, all towards growing our resilience and deepening our souls for sustained practice.00:00 Opening Context06:53 Mercy and Bruce Introductions09:57 Waking up to a Larger Story20:29 Pro-human is not neutral22:39 The high cost of leaving a Pro-Israel Christianity32:18 Despair, Fear, and Anger40:58 What to do with despair46:10 AngerThe Virtual Immersion is a series of conversations to platform and amplify the experiences and insights of our Palestinian and Israeli friends and peacemaking partners. The live conversations first take place on Instagram Live @globalimmerse, and are then made available as podcast episodes. These are vulnerable, challenging conversations with peacemakers embedded within this war's trenches.Support our work at globalimmerse.org/donateLearn more about NEME's work: neme.network

This powerful next conversation in our Virtual Immersion series is with Mahmoud Subuh, a Palestinian Muslim Peacemaker waging peace in the midst of the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank, currently under complete siege. Mahmoud shares openly about the immense challenges of both raising his own kids as well as working with Palestinian youth amidst the heightened tensions and trauma caused by living in one of the most densely populated and heavily fortified refugee camps. He discusses his efforts to guide them toward healing, advocating for reconciliation over revenge. This conversation grapples candidly with the question: Is it possible to cultivate the next generation of peacemakers in an environment overshadowed by violence?The Virtual Immersion is a series of conversations to platform and amplify the experiences and insights of our Palestinian and Israeli friends and peacemaking partners. The live conversations first take place on Instagram Live @globalimmerse, and are then made available as podcast episodes. These are vulnerable, challenging conversations with peacemakers embedded within this war's trenches.Support our work at globalimmerse.org/donate

Jer and Osheta discuss the table as a vital tool in mending divides. Osheta sets the stage with a poignant tale of gumbo-making that fostered connection, empathy, and a sense of belonging to one another. The duo unpacks practical strategies, emphasizing the essence of simplicity in hosting, the significance of thoughtful recipe choices, and the role of pacing for restorative conversations. They extend an invitation for listeners to participate in Maundy Thursday by hosting an intentional meal and proposing a meaningful red beans and rice recipe out of solidarity with our global kin.
03:34 Osheta’s Story10:18 Maundy Thursday11:33 Jer Responds14:27 The Pace at the table20:45 Recipes22:59 Red beans and rice24:58 Jer’s comfort food28:38 Sending guests out into the world34:39 Closing
 
Osheta's Red Beans and Rice Recipe: https://bit.ly/oshetasredbeansandrice
Listen to the first episode about the power of the table in everyday peacemaking: globalimmerse.org/blog/powerofthetable/
Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage: globalimmerse.org/blog/gazaceasefirepilgrimages/
CCDA Holy Week Devotional: bit.ly/CCDAGIholyweekdevotional
Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org
Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate
 
Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

Theologian and peacemaker Alejandra Ortiz joins Osheta and Jer for a profound discussion on the practice of lament as central to our formation as Everyday Peacemakers. They explore how lament gives space to grieve the brokenness of the world. Alejandra shares a rich theological perspective illustrated with stories from her personal practice of lament. The conversation illuminates how lament fosters honesty before God, cultivates hope, and deepens our participation in community. The trio delves into lament’s biblical roots, its significance in personal and communal healing, and practical ways to integrate it into everyday life, even amid challenges like maintaining mental health.
 
Ultimately, this episode encourages you to embrace lament as a transformational practice that brings you closer to God, deepens your compassion, and equips you for the realities of Everyday Peacemaking. This episode was recorded live on March 6.05:54 Define Lament07:43 How to cultivate space for lament11:53 Lament as a community practice16:03 Ideas for practices20:07 Not a quick fix, but a way to sit in the pain23:21 Lament and mental health27:11 Having someone walk with you through lament30:52 How to start31:31 If you’re exhaustedLearn more about us at globalimmerse.org
Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate
 
Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com