EP 42: Church Girl (Ft. Dr. Sarita T. Lyons)

08/20/24 • 88 min

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What if your pain and struggles were the very tools God uses to shape your identity and purpose? Join me, Megan Ashley, as I sit down with the incredible Dr. Sarita T. Lyons, author of "Church Girl": A Gospel Vision to Encourage and Challenge Black Christian Women available now! Dr. Sarita shares her transformative journey from lay leader to the Director of Community and Women's Ministry and Discipleship at Epiphany Church. Our friendship, sparked in Dallas, has blossomed, and it's an honor to explore her insights on the significance of a physical Bible, her adventures as a mother of four nearly-grown children, and the excitement of spending more time with her husband as they enter a new chapter of life.

Dr. Sarita provides a rich tapestry of experiences, blending her background in clinical forensic psychology and law into her ministry work. We navigate the unique challenges of urban church ministry, the intricate balance between personal and professional commitments, and the profound impact of her husband's Air Force service post-9/11. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the Equip You program, which merges seminary rigor with the cultural richness of HBCUs, and the essential role of lay counseling and urban apologetics in addressing the needs of the community.

In this episode we discuss the importance of feeling seen and valued by God amidst societal obstacles. From embracing suffering for spiritual growth to balancing rest and work in ministry, discover how God uses our struggles for a greater purpose. Tune in for a conversation that's both thought-provoking and spiritually enriching, offering a fresh perspective on finding peace and purpose in God.

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EP 41: Navigating Modern Friendships (Ft. Danielle Bayard Jackson)

How do friendships shape our lives, and why are they often overlooked in discussions about personal growth? Join me, Megan Ashley, as we sit down with Danielle Bayard Jackson, a leading friendship expert and educator, who shares her inspiring journey from high school English teacher to public relations professional, all while uncovering the unique friendship challenges faced by high-achieving women. Prepare to be enlightened on the critical role friendships play in both personal and professional spheres, as Danielle sheds light on the often under appreciated value of platonic relationships.

Explore the evolving dynamics of friendships in today's fast-paced world, where time spent with friends has noticeably declined. Danielle and I discuss the significant health and happiness benefits of maintaining strong social circles, challenging the societal emphasis on romantic relationships. We also navigate the complexities of interracial female friendships, underlining the importance of understanding and mutual responsibility to foster meaningful connections across racial lines.

Friendship breakups are on the rise, and this episode delves into the cultural shifts and digital influences contributing to this trend. With Danielle's expertise, we offer practical tools for evaluating the health of your friendships and strategies for navigating difficult conversations with honesty and vulnerability. Tune in to gain valuable insights and learn how to create more fulfilling connections.

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EP 43: Freedom In Salvation

Join me, Megan Ashley, on this enriching episode of "In Totality" as I share my heart and reflections on the past year, highlighting my journey of spiritual focus and discipline since May 2023. In our exploration of embracing freedom in salvation, we delve into the transformative power of key biblical scriptures such as Romans 5:8 and John 3:16. These passages illuminate the incredible love and sacrifice of Christ for humanity, encouraging us to fully embrace God's unconditional love, forgiveness, and acceptance. The narrative of the prodigal son serves as a powerful illustration of God's boundless grace and restoration, reminding us that no matter how far we stray, we can always return to Him and be fully restored.

As we discuss experiencing liberation through Christ, I share how understanding God's kindness, provision, and mercy brings peace and freedom. This chapter emphasizes the joyous privilege of living according to His teachings, not out of obligation, but from a place of honor and gratitude. Listen in as we explore practical ways to live in the freedom of being in Christ daily, balancing life with a heart check and seeking God's guidance. Reflecting on scriptures such as Psalms 139:23, Acts 3:19, and Galatians 2:20, we discuss the importance of daily repentance, embracing our identity in Christ, and avoiding temptations.