In this heart-wrenching yet hopeful episode of Faith Unfiltered, Angela and Amber discuss the deeply personal story of Angela's son, Angelo, and his recent diagnosis with severe ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). From early symptoms and a sudden health decline during a mission trip to Mexico, to navigating a complex medical journey involving multiple hospital stays and procedures, Angela shares the emotional and spiritual rollercoaster her family has faced. The episode highlights the importance of community and family support, the power of prayer, and the struggle to maintain faith in the midst of ongoing medical challenges. Drawing on their experiences, Angela emphasizes the need for clear communication with healthcare providers and the critical role of family and friends in providing practical and emotional support. The episode closes with a message of hope and trust in God's sovereignty, even when life takes unexpected and difficult turns.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:44] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:45 - 01:11] A Personal Story: Angela's Son's Diagnosis

[01:12 - 05:27] The Journey Begins: Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis

[05:28 - 15:37] A Mother's Struggle: Coping with the Diagnosis

[15:38 - 16:39] Seeking Help: Family and Community Support

[16:40 - 29:36] Hospitalization and Further Complications

[29:37 - 30:12] Sharing Meals and Support

[30:13 - 31:26] Coping with Stress and Family Dynamics

[31:27 - 33:42] Navigating Life After Diagnosis

[33:43 - 34:33] Prioritizing Self-Care and Relationships

[34:34 - 35:38] Finding a New Church Community

[35:39 - 36:45] Embracing Organic Living

[36:46 - 39:47] Support Groups and Community

[39:48 - 47:37] Faith and Trust in Difficult Times

[47:38 - 52:35] Gratitude and Acknowledgements

[52:36 - 52:59] Closing Remarks and Encouragement

Tweetable Quotes:

“  Life is pivoting to a different direction that you weren't expecting.” - Ms. Amber

“ The Lord does give us more than we can handle, and he does it so that he can show us that we don't need to handle it because he can handle it for us.” - Ms. Angela

“ The trials that the Lord puts us through because he does allow them to happen.  It's 100% for his glory.” - Ms. Angela

Book Mention:

Little Pilgrim's Progress

In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, Amber discusses the power and freedom in asking questions about one's faith. With Angela taking a brief break, Amber reflects on her own journey back to Christianity after 20 years, emphasizing the importance of exploring doubts and seeking a deeper understanding of religious teachings. She stresses that faith and doubt can coexist and encourages listeners to be apprentices of Jesus, embracing curiosity and continual learning. Amber shares personal experiences, mentions influential scholars, and provides scriptural references, all while fostering an environment where asking questions is not only accepted but encouraged.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:38] Welcome to Faith Unfiltered

[00:39 -00:56] Angela's Break and Today's Topic

[00:57 - 01:35] Embracing Questions in Faith

[01:36 - 02:30] Exploring Biblical Texts and Historians

[02:31 - 05:42] Personal Faith Journey and Questions

[05:43 - 06:03] Encouragement for Questioning Faith

[06:04 - 07:50] Deep Dive into Bible Stories

[07:51 - 18:05] The Role of Doubt in Strengthening Faith

[18:06 - 27:34] Scriptural Encouragement for Questioning

[27:35 - 27:58] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

[27:59 - 28:23] Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Tweetable Quotes:

“   It's my relationship with Jesus. It's not my parents' relationship on me, it's not the church. I grew up in a relationship. It's my relationship and it's so freaking beautiful.” - Ms. Amber

“ Doubt doesn't cancel belief. It deepens it.” - Ms. Amber

“ Asking questions means your faith is real and it's not robotic.” - Ms. Amber

“ If your faith has questions, you're in the right place. God is not intimidated by your curiosity. In fact, he welcomes it.” - Ms. Amber

“Keep seeking, keep asking. Keep showing up. That's faith, too.” - Ms. Amber

Journal Prompts:

Faith_Unfiltered_10_Honest_Questions_to_Ask_God.pdf

In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, hosts Angela and Amber share their personal journeys back to faith after significant periods of doubt and separation from the church. They emphasize that faith is a messy, unfiltered process and welcome listeners who have questions, doubts, or are simply curious about Christianity. The hosts discuss their experiences with religious rules, church hurt, and the transformation they experienced upon re-engaging with Christianity. They provide practical advice on beginning a faith journey, such as reading the Bible and finding a local church, while underscoring the importance of developing a personal relationship with Jesus over adhering to religious dogma. Throughout the episode, they advocate for honesty, questioning, and the understanding that faith is a continual journey, not a one-time achievement.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:38] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:39 - 00:57] A Safe Space for Doubts and Questions

[00:58 - 02:28] Personal Journeys of Faith

[02:29 - 03:27] The Role of Religion vs. Relationship

[03:28 - 11:46] Church Hurt and Finding Jesus Again

[11:47 - 15:23] Essentials and Non-Essentials of Christianity

[15:24 - 19:39] Rediscovering Faith and Belief

[19:40 - 20:27] The Case for Christ: A Journey from Skepticism to Faith

[20:28 - 21:30] The Power of Historical Evidence and Personal Experience

[21:31 - 22:35] Embracing Skepticism and Seeking Proof

[22:36 - 23:12] Falling in Love with Faith Again

[23:13 - 23:39] Starting Your Journey: Bible Recommendations

[23:40 - 28:35] The Impact of 'The Chosen' on Faith

[28:36 - 35:51] Finding Community and Mentorship in Faith

[35:52 - 37:02] The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives

[37:03 - 38:13] Inviting Jesus into Your Life: A Simple Guide

[38:14 - 38:50] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Tweetable Quotes:

“  Christ is beautiful and lovely and everything perfect.”- Ms. Angela

“ Come as you are, period. You don't clean up before coming to Jesus.” - Ms. Angela

“ He meets you in the middle of your mess and walks with you from there, and if you can't walk, he will carry you.” - Ms. Angela

“ You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to be open.” - Ms. Amber

Books Mention:

 Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

 Case for Christ

 The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield

 The Gospel comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield

 Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen L. Taylor

 Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan