Pod Have Mercy John Stephens/Matt Russell

Today we have a very special guest, Shariq Abdul Ghani! In this heartfelt conversation, Shariq delves into the richness of his faith traditions, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on how his beliefs have shaped his understanding of the world and humanity. We discuss the commonalities that exist between Islam and Christianity, emphasizing the shared values of love, compassion, and service to others. We highlight the importance of dialogue, empathy, and active listening in fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. By focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, we demonstrate how we can build bridges of solidarity and cooperation within our communities.Shariq Abdul Ghani is the Executive Director of Minaret Foundation, an organization focused on bringing faith communities together through multi-faith and civic engagement. Apart from dialogue, dodgeball, and BBQs, Minaret Foundation works with faith communities to change the world through advocacy in food insecurity, child welfare, and religious freedom.You can learn more at MinaretFoundation.com or by emailing him at shariq@minaretfoundation.com.

Today we are joined by a very special guest, Michele Russell! Michele Russell received her Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1995. During her 22 years working in the field of mental health, she served as a staff counselor at Texas Children’s Hospital Learning Support Center and established the Eating Disorder Program at The Center for the Study of Addiction and Recovery at Texas Tech University, where she also served as Program Director. In 2014, Michele was the Program Director for the Theology and Community program at Duke Divinity School. From 2015-2017, she served as Social and Emotional Program Specialist at Small Steps Nurturing Center in Houston. Currently, she works at Kagey Family Counseling. Across these unique environments, Michele has found the opportunity to support social and emotional growth and resilience in individuals, families and communities to be deeply challenging and rewarding.

In this special episode, John Stephens and Josef Klam check in with us from their pilgrimage in the footsteps of the apostle Paul.

Join us this week as we dive deep into the realms of empathy, understanding, and grace with our special guest, Tod Bolsinger.



In this enlightening episode, Tod Bolsinger, renowned author, speaker, and leadership expert, shares his insights on navigating the complexities of leadership with empathy and humility. From leading with a compassionate heart to fostering inclusive communities, Tod offers invaluable wisdom for individuals striving to make a positive impact in their spheres of influence.



Whether you're a seasoned leader or someone seeking to cultivate a more compassionate approach to life, this episode of Pod Have Mercy promises to inspire and empower you on your journey towards greater understanding and empathy.



Tune in and join the conversation as we explore the transformative power of mercy in today's world. Don't miss out – hit play now and let compassion lead the way!

This week we talk about the three temptations of Jesus according to Richard Rohr. In Matthew’s Gospel, the temptations are not just isolated events but profound lessons for us all.

In the first temptation, Jesus confronts the challenge to misuse personal power. In a world where the allure of greatness and recognition can be overwhelming, Jesus teaches us the importance of humility and using power for the common good.

The second temptation takes us to the pinnacle of religious misuse. Here, Jesus resists the temptation to engage in transactional religion, emphasizing the true essence of transformation and spiritual growth over mere ritual.

Lastly, the third temptation exposes the allure of political power. While not inherently evil, Jesus shows us the dangers of wielding power without a deep grounding in moral values and service to the common good.

Join us as we navigate these timeless lessons, challenging ourselves to embrace our divine identity and wield power responsibly for the betterment of all.

This week we talk about the Rodeo and Holy Week. We talk about an article written by Ruth Haley Barton at transformingcenter.org. We also discuss how we can use the image of the crucifix as a visual cue for reflection.

Holy Week—is all of us going through the rhythm of death, burial, and resurrection. It is not a rhythm that any of us would willingly choose or even know how to choose; it is usually thrust upon us. Even Jesus admitted to having mixed feelings about the inevitability of it all. Now my soul is troubled.  And what should I say— “Father, save me from this hour?”  No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. (John 12:27)