Advertise on podcast: Bare Faith

Life gets messy, and faith can feel more like a chore than a connection. Dr. Gladys Childs delves into the unsettling experience of faith that feels mechanical and disconnected from genuine belief. Reflecting on the struggles many face, she reveals the quiet despair of doing all the right things—attending church, reading the Bible, and praying—yet feeling utterly empty inside. This episode introduces Marcus, a devoted deacon whose ritualistic approach to faith has left him numb. Leaving behind a vibrant past of fervent belief, he finds himself merely going through the motions, existing in a world where others see his faith as steadfast, but inside, he's unraveling. When a simple question from a coworker leaves him speechless, he confronts the uncomfortable reality of his faith’s transformation. Dr. Childs also uncovers the story of Martha, who desperately tries to serve Jesus while feeling unseen, openly voicing the feelings many suppress: 'Lord, do you not care?' Martha’s struggle sheds light on the deep disconnect between routine service and genuine warmth, proving that even those dedicated to faith can feel lost amidst their efforts. This poignant exploration invites listeners to sit with their own feelings of numbness, challenging them to reflect on what faith truly means beyond performance. With an honest tone and a blend of storytelling and scripture, Dr. Childs compels us to consider our relationship with God and recognize the risks of merely maintaining the appearance of faith without its essence. By bravely addressing these themes, we embark on a journey of rediscovery, ultimately asking: What happens when you realize your faith has become routine? Through compassionate storytelling and profound insight, today’s episode isn’t just an invitation to connect; it’s a call to rekindle what we often forget about our relationship with God. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is this week getting a little hectic? Dr. Gladys Childs offers words of encouragement that will remind you we're here for a reason - and if we let it, these moments take our eyes off ourselves long enough to regroup. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joy comes, but the text does not tell us when the night ends. Can we live as a whole person while it's still dark? Dr. Gladys Childs walks us through this challenging time in our lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When we hear a message about living boldly, we picture something BIG - but that's not exactly what faith looks like. Small faithfulness doesn't trend, so we assume it doesn't count. Dr. Gladys Childs walks us through the recesses of our soul to help us shake loose of the lies we're holding on to in our emotional life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The experience of living with "the unfinished" is a central theme in the lives of many, characterized by deep pain, unmet expectations, and the feeling that God may not be present. Rather than treating this "stretched-out middle" as a temporary waiting room or a pause in life, it should be recognized as a territory for meaningful growth and real-world investment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Podcast explores the experience of life feeling "off" or "unfinished," offering a perspective on how to navigate those periods when reality does not align with expectations. Understanding the "Ache" See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Embracing The Mess I Can't Control," addresses the struggle of trying to maintain a stable, predictable life through faith when facing chaotic, uncontrollable situations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When setbacks, mistakes, or losses make you feel like your story is over, it’s easy to lose hope. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs reminds you that God’s hand is still at work, and your next chapter is full of possibility and purpose. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When storms rage and uncertainty surrounds you, it’s easy for faith to feel fragile. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs explores how steadfast faith can anchor your soul and carry you through life’s fiercest challenges. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Holding on to how life “should” be can keep you trapped in disappointment and frustration. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs shows you how releasing expectations opens the door for God’s peace, purpose, and unexpected blessings. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes our hearts carry wounds that never fully disappear, leaving us feeling fragile and incomplete. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs explores how God meets us in our brokenness, bringing wholeness, hope, and the courage to keep moving forward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When life hands you pain, disappointment, or injustice, it’s easy to feel forgotten and overwhelmed. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs reminds you that God’s justice, love, and purpose are always at work—even when life feels unbearably unfair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes faith feels like a waiting room—full of uncertainty, questions, and quiet longing. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs encourages you to trust God’s timing, showing how patience and hope can grow even in the in-between moments. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the plans you’ve worked for and prayed over crumble, it can feel like God has abandoned you. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs encourages you to trust that even broken plans can lead to His perfect purpose and unexpected blessings. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joy often shows up in the most unexpected moments, catching us by surprise when we least expect it. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs celebrates the ways God quietly fills our hearts with delight, even in the middle of life’s challenges. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.