The world is grappling with a pandemic that is changing life as we know it. We are grieving the loss of loved ones. Those who have recovered are facing uncertain long-term health conditions. The global economy is struggling along with unknown ramifications for millions of employees. As the coronavirus runs its course, the only thing we know for sure is that life as we know it is forever changed. Yet, facing this reality is no easy task.
In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson continue their series titled Growing Viral: Well-Being in the Age of Corona. Each episode of the series will look at common ways we are responding and reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic and seeing how we can move toward wholeness. All six episodes from this series were released together and are ready for listening. John Starke joins this conversation to help us look at our use of denial in this season and how lament offers a more fruitful way forward. John is pastor of preaching at Apostles Church in New York City and author of The Possibility of Prayer: Finding Stillness with God in a Restless World (InterVarsity Press, Feb. 2020). Denial can take many forms—some more palatable than others! From minimizing sorrow to unhelpful comparisons, we all use denial to cope under pressure. While it’s a normal, God-given response, staying in denial doesn’t lead toward the wholeness and health we need. John speaks to the need for honest lament and points us to the Psalms to guide us in practice. Can this season help us embrace greater honesty and intimacy with God? Is it possible reap a harvest of joy by planting seeds of lament? Listen in for dialogue on questions like these as we pursue wholeness together. Then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.
HOSTS
Erin Straza: Web / Twitter
Hannah Anderson: Web / Twitter
PERSUASION PODCAST
PersuasionPodcast.buzz
Twitter: @PersuasionCAPC
Instagram: @PersuasionCAPC
Facebook: /Persuasioncapc
PERSUASION 191 RESOURCES & LINKS
John Starke
Twitter: @john_starke
Website: medium.com/@john_starke
The Possibility of Prayer: Finding Stillness with God in a Restless World
Did you enjoy this episode of Persuasion? Give the whole series a listen:
Persuasion 190 | Pursuing Wholeness in a Viral Age
Persuasion 191 | Practicing Lament in a Viral Age, with John Starke
Persuasion 192 | Seeking Justice in a Viral Age
Persuasion 193 | Releasing Control in a Viral Age
Persuasion 194 | Finding Goodness in a Viral Age
Persuasion 195 | Looking Ahead in a Viral Age
Theme music by Maiden Name.