Episodes
Wednesday May 23, 2018
FGG-184 A Shame Too Great
Wednesday May 23, 2018
Wednesday May 23, 2018
This past month, I began my 13th year in jail ministry. We have seen many changes over these past 12 years. The single biggest change is the number of inmates addicted to heroin. A large percentage of people our ministry team sees on weekly basis have a substance abuse disorder.
What are the reasons many don’t seek treatment? Why does arrest and incarceration have to happen before treatment begins? In this podcast Tony discusses the shame of addiction.
Scripture: “No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13
Reflections: What can we do to help the addicted deal with shame? Do you understand that addiction is an illness? How can we show compassion for the addicted?
Wednesday May 16, 2018
FGG-183 Serving with Compassion
Wednesday May 16, 2018
Wednesday May 16, 2018
When we hear of someone who is suffering, we feel sorry for them; we have feelings of pity and empathy. If someone loses a loved one, a job, has an incurable illness or accident, we feel these emotions. But, are these emotions compassion or something else? In this podcast Tony discusses compassion.
Scripture: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” — Colossians 3:12 (NAB)
“[And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.” — Ephesians 4:32 (NAB)
Reflections: Are you a compassionate person? What can we do to become more compassionate people? What role does gratitude and kindness play in compassion? Are you compassionate to yourself?
Wednesday May 09, 2018
FGG-182 Living in a Connected World
Wednesday May 09, 2018
Wednesday May 09, 2018
Wednesday May 09, 2018
FGG-181 Hey, Whaddaya Gonna Do?
Wednesday May 09, 2018
Wednesday May 09, 2018
Whenever something bad would happen to a friend or family member, a death in the family, the loss of a job, divorce or health issues, old Sicilian men would ponder for a long moment, look the friend straight in the eyes and say, “Hey, whaddaya gonna do?” In this podcast Tony discusses find the right things to say.
Scripture: Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil. Matthew 6: 27, 34
Reflections: Are you ever at a loss for what to say at a funeral? Are you fearful you might say the wrong thing? How uncomfortable are you in these situations?