I’ll admit, starting a podcast is a unique and time-intensive hobby. Podcasting is not for the weak of heart. It requires time and commitment: time to line up interviews, time to sit down and record, time to edit content, time to write and publish show notes, and time to advertise and promote on social media. It is logical then to assume that there must be some underlying reason for pursuing this endeavor.
There certainly is! In fact, Pause, Renew, Next is in some ways like a “burning fire shut up in my bones.” I feel an inexplicable compulsion to pursue it. With that being stated, let me explain my vision and intention in producing the Pause, Renew, Next Podcast.
In my blog, I focus on three elements, for which PRN is named: Pause, Renew, Next.
- Pause – pausing to allow our brains to be still and quiet from the constant outside noise and demands
- Renew – spending time with the Lord, allowing His Word to transform and renew our minds
- Next – putting our faith, knowledge, and transformation into action
There are certainly elements of all three of those themes in the podcast as well, but in the podcast I focus on them from the perspective of soul care and stories of faith. Here’s why:
As a counselor, I am privileged to sit with and hold people’s stories. I recognize that it is a gift to be entrusted with the elements of people’s lives, stories, thoughts, and faith journeys. (There’s something about the confidentiality of counseling that breeds trust and vulnerability!) Many of the stories I have been privileged to hear in my counseling office have been an encouragement to me as a listener.
In churches, in families, and in communities we can also benefit from sharing our faith stories with one another. Hearing other people’s struggles, questions, and faith journeys can help bolster us in our own walk with the Lord. It allows us to be more transparent about our weaknesses and doubts, knowing that we’re not alone. Unfortunately, not everyone is in a space where they feel safe or brave enough to share their own faith stories.
Through this podcast, I am thankful to be able to give a platform for Godly women to share their stories. Although each guest covers a different topic, there is a commonality that runs through each interview: vulnerability, passion, honesty, and a desire to share what the Lord is teaching them personally. There’s something about a real-life story that cuts through the “shoulds” and the shame that we could be doing better, to realize that we’re all humans doing the messy and hard work of this journey called faith.
Sure, there are other podcasts available in which women are able to share their stories. In fact, I listen to and enjoy some of those podcasts regularly myself. What sets PRN apart is that the women on this podcast are not necessarily well known or famous. Most of my guests have never and will never write a book or go on a speaking circuit, yet their knowledge and experience is just as valid as those who do have a more well-known platform from which to speak.
So, what is my vision for the PRN Podcast?
- To encourage those who are running the race of faith. The gate and path to Life is narrow. The journey requires endurance. Jesus calls us to pick up our cross and die to self, and that is hard work. Sometimes the race involves suffering, and we find ourselves no longer sprinting but limping instead. Hearing from others who are also running the race can be just the breath of fresh air we need to keep up our pace.
- To promote the importance of soul care. In our fast-paced society, we rarely take the time to care for our bodies and brains. Forget the soul – we’re just trying to survive! By implementing the practice of pausing, renewing, and applying our faith into a “next” step of action, we are taking time to care for all of the layers of the self: body, relationships, mind, and spirit.
To all of you who have supported PRN verbally or through social media, have been a guest on the podcast, have rated it on iTunes, given a positive review, or spread the word by sharing with others – Thank you! I so appreciate each and every one of you.
May you be encouraged on your journey with Jesus!
Pause, Renew, Next!