This episode is a special one for me. As cairns (i.e., rock piles) are used way out in the wilderness to keep hikers on a trail, so the concepts in this episode might keep those in a psycho-spiritual wilderness on trails, too.

I'm trying not to be dogmatic about any of this, but the intensity of the wilderness (or what I'm calling "the darkness" in this episode) has given me plenty of reason to reflect and offer some opinions. As you'll hear, I've identified three general responses that people have (and that I've certainly had) while going through the darkness.

If you've been finding yourself in unknown existential territory, first, I feel for you; second, I think you'll find this interesting, particularly if you're looking for a Jesus-oriented way to navigate your own challenging events; and third, I hope you'll be reminded of the critical role that wilderness plays within the biblical narrative. In other words, you're in good company!

Also, if you've been through loss, I suspect you'll appreciate indigo: the color of grief. Meanwhile, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and if you need a place to support before the end of the year (or into the new year), don't hesitate to check out all the good things happening at lovehaiti.org.

Peace my friend, don't give up!

PS - I only realized after the fact, that I published this a few hours away from the longest night and shortest daylight of the year. Pretty appropriate timing I think.

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Hey, everyone, I'm happy to introduce you to Liz Charlotte Grant and her forthcoming book: Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible. Instead of seeing the book of Genesis as a weapon in the culture wars, Grant interprets the Bible’s inspired book of beginnings as a work of art and that is why I was happy to have her on the show. We need more of that. :)

Take a moment to like and share the show and while you're taking moments to do cool things, you should go to lovehaiti.org and think about supporting the amazing work happening there.

Peace everyone,
J

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Hey, this is my friend, psychoanalyst, and author, Quique Autrey. I've had the chance to be on his Psyche Podcast a couple of times, so when he decided to write a book, I knew I wanted to have him on and talk about the project. Btw, if you're into Rick Boothby, Todd McGowan, Peter Rollins kind of stuff, like me, then Quique's podcast is a great resource.

Today, we're talking about his new book, which is is called Green Flags: How to be the Kind of Person You Need in Your Life. Green Flags is practical and helpful and by reading it, you'll not only enhance your own life but also become a more supportive and understanding presence for those around you. The book is accessible (despite Quique's depth of knowledge around all things philosophcial and psychological). Hope you check it out, and I hope can like, share, and review this show!

To keep up on all things J_F, please subscribe to my Substack Newsletter.

Finally, at this time of the year when, hopefully, we're all thinking a bit more about giving to others, consider youself invited to check out what's going on at LoveHaiti.org.

Peace,
Jonathan

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