Will You Walk With Me?

Rev. Dr. Cathie Sklenar-Studwell

"Be sure of this - that I am with you always, even to the end of the world." Jesus says this in the 28th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew when He tells the disciples that He will be with them as they go out into the world and face the many challenges that will occur as they travel on their journey.Was this a story just for a select group of people at a particular time and place or does it apply to us today?Have you ever taken one step forward and then taken two steps back? Or maybe 3 or 4 steps back?Have you ever struggled to pick yourself up when you are in the depths of depression or anxiety?Have you ever asked yourself, does anyone really care about me?I'm sure we have all felt that way at one time or another and when we are in those spaces, we can feel isolated, cut off from family, friends, from everyone.When we feel isolated, we start to wonder if we can ever really overcome the pain and isolation. We wonder if God is really there for me.Join us, on Will You Walk With Me?, where we will explore ways to strengthen our faith through caring for our mental and physical health. We will do this in community, learning from those who join our episodes to share their stories, and through exploring ways to increase creativity and positive self esteem, while in the process studying sacred scriptural texts that can support your journey.So I ask you, Will You Walk With Me?

Episodes

  1. 07/06/2024

    Healing the Inner Child: Transforming Trauma into Self-Compassion and Faith

    What if a single moment from your childhood could shape your entire perspective on safety and self-care? Join us on "Will You Walk With Me" as we unravel the intricate journey of inner child healing through the lens of yoga and faith. We kick off with a grounding moment of self-appreciation before delving into two profound stories from my life. First, I share how a seemingly simple love for cleanliness and order is rooted in a childhood incident that shattered my sense of security. Then, we explore my early enchantment with yoga as an escape from my mother's anxiety, and how it became a vital part of my self-care routine, guiding me through periods of intense personal growth and moments of vulnerability. In this heartfelt episode, we also delve into the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the healing power of reparenting and faith. Discover how neglect from caregivers can lead to deep-seated feelings of unsafety and unlovedness, even in adulthood, and learn practical steps for healing, including visualization and self-compassion. With scriptural insights and a focus on nurturing your inner child, we emphasize the importance of fostering a sense of safety and love within yourself. Finally, I invite you to embrace the transformative power of God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, offering encouragement to seek professional help if needed and a reminder that you are a precious child of God.

    26 min
  2. 05/05/2024

    Rolling Dice, Unleashing Potential: Exploring Personal and Spiritual Growth

    Embark on a journey of discovery where the rolling of dice ignites personal transformation and community bonding. Together with my insightful producers, Andrew and Catherine, we unravel the dynamic world of role-playing games, particularly Dungeons & Dragons, and how they unlock creativity, provide therapeutic benefits, and foster spiritual growth. Weaving personal tales with expert commentary, our episode serves as a testament to the empowering nature of RPGs in shaping lives and nurturing connections. Have you ever imagined yourself as someone else, in a world where dragons soar and magic thrives? Our conversation dives into the heart of character creation and game dynamics, where Catherine introduces you to Zanros Bemblebomble, her quirky rock gnome with dreams bigger than her stature. Andrew and Catherine chime in with their rich experiences, highlighting how the limitless narratives of RPGs reflect life's triumphs and tribulations, offering a playground for learning and self-expression within a safe communal space. We reflect on the profound impact of D&D on Andrew and Catherine's personal and spiritual journeys. It's not just about the game; it's about the lessons learned, the confidence built, and the support of a community that champions each member's growth. Tune in for an episode that's not just a conversation but an invitation to explore the depths of your own imagination and the potential for profound change that comes with it.

    1h 3m
  3. 01/06/2024

    Navigating Life's Storms: Courage, Community, and the Power of Faith

    When the waves of life threaten to engulf us, where do we turn for solace? This is the question at the heart of our latest podcast episode, where we embark on a candid exploration of faith, community, and the shared burden of life's challenges. Through the lens of scripture and personal anecdotes, we delve into the narratives that bind us, finding common ground in our struggles and solace in the divine. At the onset, we're invited to consider the role of faith in breaking through isolation, particularly during trying times. The act of engaging with scripture is depicted not as a passive reading but as a dynamic interaction—wrestling with, embracing, and embodying the text. This deep dive into spiritual study isn't just for personal edification; it's a bridge to communal support. We're encouraged to share our journey with others, finding strength in the mutual exchange of experiences. A poignant tale of one individual's father battling cancer serves as a testament to the fortitude that prayer and community can foster. This narrative interweaves the rawness of despair with the emergence of a profound spiritual encounter, demonstrating the transformative power of vulnerability before God. It's a reminder that in the depths of grief and fatigue, faith can act as an anchor, holding us steady in the tumultuous seas of adversity. In sharing this episode, we aim not only to offer solace but also to extend an invitation to dialogue, to connect, and to remind each listener of their inherent worth. It is a message of upliftment and unity, beckoning us to join hands as we navigate the stormy waters of life together. By delving into these topics, we're reminded that storms are a universal experience, yet they are also deeply personal. The podcast doesn't just tell stories; it offers a roadmap for resilience. It’s a narrative that many can find themselves within, an affirmation of the quiet strength that comes from shared burdens and the unwavering support of faith and fellowship.

    24 min

About

"Be sure of this - that I am with you always, even to the end of the world." Jesus says this in the 28th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew when He tells the disciples that He will be with them as they go out into the world and face the many challenges that will occur as they travel on their journey.Was this a story just for a select group of people at a particular time and place or does it apply to us today?Have you ever taken one step forward and then taken two steps back? Or maybe 3 or 4 steps back?Have you ever struggled to pick yourself up when you are in the depths of depression or anxiety?Have you ever asked yourself, does anyone really care about me?I'm sure we have all felt that way at one time or another and when we are in those spaces, we can feel isolated, cut off from family, friends, from everyone.When we feel isolated, we start to wonder if we can ever really overcome the pain and isolation. We wonder if God is really there for me.Join us, on Will You Walk With Me?, where we will explore ways to strengthen our faith through caring for our mental and physical health. We will do this in community, learning from those who join our episodes to share their stories, and through exploring ways to increase creativity and positive self esteem, while in the process studying sacred scriptural texts that can support your journey.So I ask you, Will You Walk With Me?