iHOPE

This Is THAT Event

In her latest book, Rising Strong, Brené refers to a curriculum she created to help people dig deeper into the implications of her research and apply those findings to their life. She did some extensive training to certify qualified helping professionals to carry out that training in special events and workshops. The Daring Way event (October 9-10) is THAT event. My friend Rich Gantenbein, has been certified to present this workshop and will be the one leading our event.

I mention this because we have heard from a number of people that the response they are getting from friends is that people love Brené and her work but are reluctant to sign up for this event because they are afraid it is going to be too...churchy. 

Here is what I want people to know:

1. I get that and I'm sorry people have had that experience in other churches. 
2. I hate when that happens and we would never do that.
3. Even if we wanted to do that (and we don't), Brené would never tolerate the use of this material in that fashion. 

The Daring Way materials are carefully crafted and tightly controlled. Even the advertising of our event had to be reviewed and approved. Anyone coming to The Daring Way should know this is Brene's material and it will be presented as Brené intended it. Rich will be presenting the same workshop the following week for a school district.

The Daring Life

 

Have you heard of Brené Brown?

She is the best-selling author of three books, her speaking events sell out within hours, she is interviewed in TIME magazine, Oprah Winfrey and even on the cover of this month's Costco Connections (the true test that you have arrived!).

I think it is more than hype. Brené's research has sparked a global conversation about what it means to live wholeheartedly, with courage, vulnerability and creativity.  More than self-help, this is the necessary work of the soul and people are often amazed at how well her work integrates with the wisdom, insight and teaching of the scriptures.

That is why I'm excited that we have several opportunities to explore the discoveries of Brené Brown and expand our own understanding of the abundant, wholehearted life that Christ offers.

You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot have both

Brené Brown

The Daring Way

Beyond what you can get from just her books and talks, Brené put together an intensive training workshop that digs deep into the personal work necessary to embody wholehearted living. She spent time personally training and certifying instructors who could present her material- people like my friend, Rich Gantenbein. He is bringing that workshop to New Hope on October 9-10 (he'll also be preaching on October 11). 

Its going to be a powerful weekend. Bring a friend, your spouse and even your entire LIFE Group! The cost is $35 and you can register online or at church. 

The Book of Forgiving

I would like to share with you two simple truths: there is nothing that cannot be forgiven, and there is no one undeserving of forgiveness.

Desmond Tutu

The content of this quote captures the attention. The source demands it. Desmond Tutu knows something about forgiveness and his wisdom and integrity are woven into every page. I have read a number of books about forgiveness over the years, some of them were very good. None is better than The Book of Forgiving. 

Tutu and his daughter, Mpho, don't duck any of the hard questions about forgiveness. The book is eloquent as well as practical. If you have wondered about how (or why) to forgive others, even when they haven't asked for forgiveness, they address it. If you have wondered about how to forgive without feeling like you are simply excusing bad behavior, they tackle that, too. If you are wondering how to make forgiveness and reconciliation a regular part of your life, you will want to read this book. Copies are available at the church. 

That's why I am excited about the new mid-week class that begins this Wednesday, (September 16). Rae Behrens is leading a five-week discussion on this book and its implications. I'll be there, assisting any way I can. I hope you'll be there, too! The class is from 6:45-8:00 and runs through October 14. 

Coming to New Hope: The Daring Way

Have you heard about best-selling author, Brené Brown? She is a researcher who listens to stories- lots of them. Over years of listening to people's lives, emerged recurring themes of guilt and shame, scarcity and vulnerability, empathy and creativity, authenticity, whole-heartedness and courage. What Brené heard surprised her, even frightened her. If what she was hearing was true, it meant she needed to make some changes in her own life if she was going to experience whole-hearted living.  

Brené began to share her findings and her own struggles with change, first in a TED Talk, then in books. It struck a nerve. Her TED talks are some of the most watched in history. Her books* have become best-sellers. She has been consulted by such disparate groups as the Pentagon (in trying to crack the code of PTSD) and Pixar (releasing and enhancing creativity).

Have you ever noticed that the Bible is full of stories, too? You don’t have to listen too long, before you also begin to hear some common themes about shame and guilt, scarcity and vulnerability, empathy, authenticity, creativity and wholehearted living.  Some of these go by other names, but the underlying lessons are remarkably consistent. I believe our communities and our churches would benefit from and people’s lives would be changed by, integrating Brown’s insights and the truths of scripture.

Falling "Up!"

The Seasons of your life are not problems to be solved, but are chapters waiting to be written

That's one of the core lessons throughout our "Growing Wise in the Seasons of Life" series. Nowhere is that more true than when we come to those seasons of disappointment, failure and regret.

As much as we hide and distance ourselves from our failures, disappointments and suffering, these can be the source of our deepest connections to God and our best clues into the sacredness of life.

Once again, we use a clip form a children's movie (Up!) to tackle a very adult theme. What are the secrets to "Falling Up!"?* See you Sunday!

*This title is definitely a tip of the hat to our first Summer Book Club selection, Falling Upwards by Richard Rohr.