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2 Corinthians 4:16–18 + Heart of Vines by Lisa Brenninkmeyer and Katie Brenninkmeyer How do we keep growing when following Jesus has become familiar? How do we remain faithful when life doesn’t turn out the way we expected? In this six-episode series of the Be Still podcast, Still Becoming: Six Conversations about Spiritual Maturity, Lisa explores the ways God may be asking us to keep growing—not simply so we can follow Jesus faithfully for most of our lives, but so we can finish well. Because life can test our faith in ways we never anticipated. When our hearts break, our stories take unexpected turns, and God doesn’t give us the answers we want, what happens to our faith? Through Scripture, great books, and honest reflection, Lisa explores what it means to grow in faith, embrace spiritual maturity, and remain faithful to Jesus through every season of life. What does it mean to grow older with grace in a culture that keeps telling us to resist aging at all costs? In this episode, Lisa reflects on St. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:16: “Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day.” Through a conversation with her daughter about body image and a story from Heart of Vines, she considers what our bodies are actually for—and how knowing their purpose can change the way we experience aging. Perhaps growing older with grace isn’t about giving up on caring for ourselves. Perhaps it’s about shifting our attention from preservation to transformation—measuring our lives less by what time is taking away and more by the fruit God is still inviting us to bear. In this episode, Lisa explores: The pressure women feel to resist the natural signs of aging What 2 Corinthians 4 teaches us about the outer self and the inner self The difference between preservation and transformation How our understanding of the purpose of our bodies shapes the way we experience aging What a conversation about body image revealed about the messages we pass on to younger women The wisdom, perspective, freedom, and fruitfulness that can come with age Why some kinds of fruit can only grow with time How to ask not simply, “How am I aging?” but “What am I becoming as I age?” Journaling Questions What am I becoming as I age? Am I becoming more peaceful or more anxious? More generous or more self-protective? More interested in other people or more preoccupied with myself? Am I quicker to forgive? Slower to judge? More willing to listen? Less concerned with being noticed?  Do the people closest to me experience more of the fruit of the Spirit in me than they did ten years ago? What fruit can I bear in this season of my life that I could not have borne when I was younger? Key Scripture 2 Corinthians 4:16–18. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. Show Mentions Abriendo tu corazón. This translated Spanish version of our most popular Bible study, Opening Your Heart, is now available in our shop.  Viviendo en el amor del Padre. This translated Spanish version of our popular Bible study, Living in the Father's Love, is now available in our shop.  Lisa Brenninkmeyer and Katie Brenninkmeyer, Heart of Vines: An Invitation to Escape the Life that is Slowly Killing You Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

John 21:18–22 + Make Your Home in This Luminous Dark by James K. A. Smith How do we keep growing when following Jesus has become familiar? How do we remain faithful when life doesn’t turn out the way we expected? In this six-episode series of the Be Still podcast, Still Becoming: Six Conversations about Spiritual Maturity, Lisa explores the ways God may be asking us to keep growing—not simply so we can follow Jesus faithfully for most of our lives, but so we can finish well. Because life can test our faith in ways we never anticipated. When our hearts break, our stories take unexpected turns, and God doesn’t give us the answers we want, what happens to our faith? Through Scripture, great books, and honest reflection, Lisa explores what it means to grow in faith, embrace spiritual maturity, and remain faithful to Jesus through every season of life. In this episode, Lisa reflects on the humility of admitting how much we don’t know, while remaining faithful to what God has already made clear. Drawing from John 21, T. S. Eliot’s East Coker, and James K. A. Smith’s Make Your Home in This Luminous Dark, she considers Jesus’ words to Peter: “What is that to you? Follow me!” Perhaps spiritual maturity isn’t about finally having all the answers. Perhaps it’s learning to live with unanswered questions without allowing them to become excuses for disobedience—and continuing to take the next faithful step. In this episode, Lisa explores: Why disappointment can tempt us to stop pursuing spiritual growth The freedom and humility of saying, “I don’t know” The difference between what God hasn’t explained and what He has made clear What Peter’s encounter with Jesus in John 21 teaches us about growing older How comparison distracts us from the particular road God has given us What it means to keep following Jesus when He leads us somewhere we would not have chosen Journaling Questions Where in my life am I waiting for God to explain Himself before I’m willing to fully trust or obey Him? What has God already made clear to me that He is asking me to do—and what would it look like to take the next faithful step? Key Scripture John 21:18–22. “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.” Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!”  Show Mention To further our mission, Walking with Purpose donates Bible studies and devotionals to ministries serving women and girls who are incarcerated, homeless, facing crisis pregnancies, or living in underserved communities. We believe that every woman, regardless of her circumstances, should have access to the life-changing wisdom found in God's Word. Learn more or request free materials for your organization on our website. Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Luke 17:7–10 (The Parable of the Unworthy Servants) + The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Jesus could have taught in lectures, but instead, He told stories. His listeners were captivated by stories about fathers and sons, widows and judges, banquets and vineyards, lost coins, unexpected neighbors, and servants waiting in the night. At first glance, the parables in the Gospel of Luke seem simple. But beneath these familiar stories lies a deeper invitation—not merely to understand the symbolism of the parables, but to be transformed by them. In this series of the Be Still podcast, Every Good Story Whispers the Gospel, Lisa journeys through some of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each episode pairs Scripture with a memorable work of literature, exploring how great stories help us recognize ourselves in Jesus' teaching and encounter the heart of God in a fresh way. Together we'll discover that the parables are not just stories Jesus told long ago. They are stories that continue to tell the truth about us—and about the God who is still seeking, forgiving, inviting, and restoring His people today. Have you ever caught yourself thinking, After everything I've done ... surely I deserve something in return? In this episode of Be Still, Lisa explores one of Jesus' most surprising parables—The Parable of the Unworthy Servants (Luke 17:7–10)—alongside the beloved classic The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. At first glance, Jesus' words seem unsettling. Why doesn't the master thank the servant? Is Jesus saying our faithfulness doesn't matter? Not at all. Instead, Jesus gently exposes something that quietly takes root in every human heart: the temptation to keep score with God. We begin to believe that our sacrifices, prayers, and faithful service have somehow earned us a particular outcome. But Jesus offers us something far better than a transactional relationship. He invites us into the freedom of receiving everything as gift. Through Mary Lennox's remarkable transformation—from a demanding child who expects the world to serve her to a joyful gardener who delights in tending life—we discover that lasting joy isn't found in being served but in serving with gratitude. Drawing on the wisdom of Pastor Jon Tyson, Tim Keller, and the apostle Paul's question, "What do you have that you did not receive?" (1 Corinthians 4:7), this episode is an invitation to lay down the hidden ledger we've been carrying and rediscover the freedom of God's grace. In this episode you'll discover: Why entitlement often disguises itself as disappointment or self-pity. What Jesus really means by the Parable of the Unworthy Servants. How The Secret Garden beautifully illustrates the joy of tending what God has entrusted to us. Why everything we have is ultimately a gift. How gratitude frees us from the exhausting burden of keeping score. Journaling Questions Where have I been quietly keeping score with God? Is there an area of my life where disappointment, resentment, or self-pity has revealed an expectation that God owes me something? Ask Jesus to show you the difference between faithful service and hidden entitlement. What gifts has God already placed in my hands, and how is He inviting me to tend them today? Instead of focusing on what is missing or what you wish were different, take time to thank God for the people, opportunities, and responsibilities He has entrusted to you. How might gratitude change the way you care for them this week? Key Scripture Luke 17:7–10. “Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” Show Mentions Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Praying From the Heart: Guided Prayer Journal Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Luke 18:9–14 (The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector) + Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Jesus could have taught in lectures, but instead, He told stories. His listeners were captivated by stories about fathers and sons, widows and judges, banquets and vineyards, lost coins, unexpected neighbors, and servants waiting in the night. At first glance, the parables in the Gospel of Luke seem simple. But beneath these familiar stories lies a deeper invitation—not merely to understand the symbolism of the parables, but to be transformed by them. In this series of the Be Still podcast, Every Good Story Whispers the Gospel, Lisa journeys through some of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each episode pairs Scripture with a memorable work of literature, exploring how great stories help us recognize ourselves in Jesus' teaching and encounter the heart of God in a fresh way. Together we'll discover that the parables are not just stories Jesus told long ago. They are stories that continue to tell the truth about us—and about the God who is still seeking, forgiving, inviting, and restoring His people today. How often are we convinced that we've judged a person—or a situation—correctly? In this episode of Be Still, Lisa explores one of Jesus' most searching parables, The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14), alongside Jane Austen's beloved classic, Pride and Prejudice. While Mr. Darcy's pride is obvious, Elizabeth Bennet's is far more subtle. Her confidence in her own discernment blinds her to the truth until she utters one of literature's most profound confessions: Till this moment I never knew myself. Through Elizabeth's journey, we'll discover that pride doesn't always look like thinking we're better than others. Sometimes it looks like believing our own judgments are beyond question. Jesus invites us into a different way. The tax collector doesn't defend himself or compare himself to anyone else. He simply comes before God with open hands and an honest heart: God, be merciful to me, a sinner. As we behold Christ, we begin to see ourselves—not through the distorted lenses of pride or shame, but through His eyes of mercy. In this episode you'll discover: Why Elizabeth Bennet's pride is harder to recognize than Mr. Darcy's. How certainty can quietly keep us from hearing God's voice. What the Pharisee and the tax collector teach us about true humility. Why the goal of the Christian life isn't greater self-awareness but greater God-awareness. How beholding Jesus transforms the way we see ourselves and others. Journaling Questions Lord, show me what is true.  As you pray those words, is there a person, a situation, or even a belief about yourself that Jesus is inviting you to see differently? Ask the Lord to help you behold His beauty. As you spend a few moments in silence, what changes when your attention shifts from yourself to Him? Key Scripture Luke 18:9–14. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Show Mentions Flourish 2027: Beholding His Beauty, The Transforming Power of Fixing Our Eyes on Christ, A Women’s Conference, Columbus, OH, April 9-11, 2027. Early bird registration through September 30, 2026. Registration opens September 1, 2026. Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Luke 18:1–8 (The Parable of the Persistent Widow) + A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles Jesus could have taught in lectures, but instead, He told stories. His listeners were captivated by stories about fathers and sons, widows and judges, banquets and vineyards, lost coins, unexpected neighbors, and servants waiting in the night. At first glance, the parables in the Gospel of Luke seem simple. But beneath these familiar stories lies a deeper invitation—not merely to understand the symbolism of the parables, but to be transformed by them. In this series of the Be Still podcast, Every Good Story Whispers the Gospel, Lisa journeys through some of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each episode pairs Scripture with a memorable work of literature, exploring how great stories help us recognize ourselves in Jesus' teaching and encounter the heart of God in a fresh way. Together we'll discover that the parables are not just stories Jesus told long ago. They are stories that continue to tell the truth about us—and about the God who is still seeking, forgiving, inviting, and restoring His people today. "And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." Luke 18:1 What do you do when you've prayed for something for years—and nothing seems to change? In this episode, Lisa reflects on Jesus' parable of the Persistent Widow alongside Amor Towles's beloved novel A Gentleman in Moscow. Confined to a single hotel for decades, Count Alexander Rostov refuses to allow his circumstances to shrink his soul. Instead of surrendering to bitterness or resignation, he discovers that a rich and meaningful life can flourish even within unexpected limitations. Together, Scripture and story remind us that the greatest danger in seasons of waiting isn't unanswered prayer—it's losing heart. God invites us to keep asking, to keep hoping, and to keep trusting that His apparent silence is never the same as His absence. Because persistence in prayer doesn't change God's heart—it keeps our hearts turned toward the God whose heart has never changed toward us. In this episode, we explore: Why resignation is different from surrender Jesus' invitation to "pray always and not lose heart" What the Persistent Widow teaches us about hope in seasons of waiting How Count Rostov models a life that grows instead of shrinks within limitations Why spiritual growth is formed through both suffering and prayer How God's delays can become places where faith is strengthened rather than abandoned Journaling Questions Where am I tempted to let my circumstances make my world smaller? How might God be inviting me to notice opportunities for love, beauty, or faithfulness right where I am? What prayer have I quietly stopped expecting God to answer? What has resignation been whispering to me about God? Key Scripture Luke 18:1–8. The Parable of the Persistent Widow Show Mentions Are you searching for a community of faith-filled women to journey with through Bible study from the comfort of your home? We have an empty square for you! Join us for a Walking with Purpose virtual group, forming NOW! Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Luke 12:13–21 (The Parable of the Rich Fool) + The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro Jesus could have taught in lectures, but instead, He told stories. His listeners were captivated by stories about fathers and sons, widows and judges, banquets and vineyards, lost coins, unexpected neighbors, and servants waiting in the night. At first glance, the parables in the Gospel of Luke seem simple. But beneath these familiar stories lies a deeper invitation—not merely to understand the symbolism of the parables, but to be transformed by them. In this series of the Be Still podcast, Every Good Story Whispers the Gospel, Lisa journeys through some of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each episode pairs Scripture with a memorable work of literature, exploring how great stories help us recognize ourselves in Jesus' teaching and encounter the heart of God in a fresh way. Together we'll discover that the parables are not just stories Jesus told long ago. They are stories that continue to tell the truth about us—and about the God who is still seeking, forgiving, inviting, and restoring His people today. How often do we stop long enough to ask whether the life we're building is the one God is calling us to live? In this episode of Be Still, Lisa pairs Kazuo Ishiguro's masterful novel The Remains of the Day with Jesus' parable of the rich fool. At first glance, these stories seem to have little in common. But together they reveal the quiet danger of living without honest self-reflection. As Mr. Stevens looks back over a lifetime of unquestioning loyalty, and the rich fool confidently plans for an even more prosperous future, both men reveal how easy it is to settle into assumptions that never get brought before God. Their stories invite us to ask a difficult but life-giving question: Where might I have a blind spot? Jesus leaves the parable unfinished, inviting each of us to enter the story ourselves. Rather than defending our own perspectives or seeking to justify ourselves, we are invited to become people who welcome God's loving examination of our hearts. This kind of humility is not a threat to our dignity—it is the path to becoming truly rich toward God. In this episode, you'll discover: Why honest self-examination is essential for spiritual growth. What The Remains of the Day reveals about misplaced loyalty and the cost of an unquestioned life. Why Jesus refuses to settle an inheritance dispute and instead addresses the deeper condition of the human heart. How self-justification keeps us isolated while humility opens us to grace. What it means to become "rich toward God." Journaling Questions Where have I become so comfortable in my way of seeing the world that I no longer invite Jesus to challenge me? What gifts—my time, possessions, influence, or abilities—have I quietly begun to think of as "mine" rather than God's? Key Scripture Luke 12:13–21. The Parable of the Rich Fool Presenting Sponsor Our presenting sponsor is Verità. Verità is a Catholic women’s ministry awakening women to their dignity as beloved daughters of God through truth, beauty and grace. Verità invites you to join them on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi March 6–14, 2027. If your heart has been longing for more-more peace, more purpose, more intimacy with Jesus, perhaps this is your invitation. To learn more or reserve your place, visit https://lolekpilgrimage.org/2027verita or @Verita.Mission on Instagram. Show Mentions Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Sisters of Strength Lisa Brenninkmeyer and Katie Brenninkmeyer, Heart of Vines: An Invitation to Escape the Life that is Slowly Killing You Walking with Purpose App. Now you can access all your favorite WWP resources—training videos, podcasts, and more—right from your phone or computer. Same great content. Brand-new convenience. Here's how to get started: Visit our learning site at learn.walkingwithpurpose.com to create your account. Bookmark the page for quick access (and check out our easy setup instructions if you need help). Download our app from Google Play or the App Store (look for our signature flower icon). Log in using your account info or one of the direct login options at the bottom of the screen. Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Heart of Vines Masterclass on our YouTube channel. Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Luke 10:25-37 (Parable of the Good Samaritan) + A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Jesus could have taught in lectures, but instead, He told stories. His listeners were captivated by stories about fathers and sons, widows and judges, banquets and vineyards, lost coins, unexpected neighbors, and servants waiting in the night. At first glance, the parables in the Gospel of Luke seem simple. But beneath these familiar stories lies a deeper invitation—not merely to understand the symbolism of the parables, but to be transformed by them. In this series of the Be Still podcast, Lisa journeys through some of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each episode pairs Scripture with a memorable work of literature, exploring how great stories help us recognize ourselves in Jesus' teaching and encounter the heart of God in a fresh way. Together we'll discover that the parables are not just stories Jesus told long ago. They are stories that continue to tell the truth about us—and about the God who is still seeking, forgiving, inviting, and restoring His people today. "Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." (Luke 10:36–37) Who is my neighbor? It's a question that seems simple until Jesus answers it with a story. In this episode, Lisa reflects on the Parable of the Good Samaritan alongside Fredrik Backman's bestselling novel A Man Called Ove. At first glance, Ove appears to be little more than a grumpy old man who pushes everyone away. But as his neighbors refuse to give up on him, we're reminded that every person carries a story we cannot fully see. Jesus' parable invites us to look beyond excuses, fears, and convenience to discover what mercy really looks like. The priest saw a risk. The Levite saw a reason to keep walking. The Samaritan saw a neighbor. Together, Scripture and story remind us that compassion is rarely dramatic. More often, it looks like crossing the road, interrupting our plans, and choosing to move toward another person's needs. In doing so, we often discover that God transforms our own hearts as much as the life we're trying to help. In this episode, we explore: Why does Jesus answer, "Who is my neighbor?" by showing us what it means to become a neighbor. What the priest and the Levite reveal about the ways we justify withholding mercy. How A Man Called Ove reminds us that every difficult person has a story we cannot fully see. Why mercy almost always requires inconvenience. How ordinary acts of compassion become the very places where God changes both the giver and the receiver. What it looks like to "cross the road" in our own daily lives. Journaling Questions When I hesitate to help someone, what is usually holding me back? Is it fear of the cost, uncertainty about what to do, the assumption that someone else is better equipped, or something else entirely? Is there someone God has placed in my path—not to solve all of their problems—but simply to move toward with compassion this week? What would "crossing the road" look like in that relationship? Key Scripture Luke 10:25–37. Presenting Sponsor Our presenting sponsor is Verità. Verità is a Catholic women’s ministry awakening women to their dignity as beloved daughters of God through truth, beauty and grace. Verità invites you to join them on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi March 6–14, 2027. If your heart has been longing for more-more peace, more purpose, more intimacy with Jesus, perhaps this is your invitation. To learn more or reserve your place, visit https://lolekpilgrimage.org/2027verita or @Verita.Mission on Instagram. Show Mention If you're not in a Walking with Purpose parish program, it's time to find out just how amazing the parish experience can be. Join us for this 25-minute virtual event and discover how WWP effectively brings women closer to the love of Christ and their parish communities. Register now! Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Luke 7:36–50 + Les Misérables by Victor Hugo Jesus could have taught in lectures, but instead, He told stories. His listeners were captivated by stories about fathers and sons, widows and judges, banquets and vineyards, lost coins, unexpected neighbors, and servants waiting in the night. At first glance, the parables in the Gospel of Luke seem simple. But beneath these familiar stories lies a deeper invitation—not merely to understand the symbolism of the parables, but to be transformed by them. In this series of the Be Still podcast, Lisa journeys through some of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each episode pairs Scripture with a memorable work of literature, exploring how great stories help us recognize ourselves in Jesus' teaching and encounter the heart of God in a fresh way. Together we'll discover that the parables are not just stories Jesus told long ago. They are stories that continue to tell the truth about us—and about the God who is still seeking, forgiving, inviting, and restoring His people today. In today’s episode, Lisa explores the parable of the two debtors in Luke 7, pairing one of Jesus' most unforgettable parables with one of the greatest novels ever written. Why do some people respond to God's grace with overwhelming love while others remain untouched by it? In this gospel, a woman known for her sinful past pours out extravagant love at Jesus' feet, while Simon the Pharisee watches with quiet judgment. Jesus responds with a simple story about two debtors—and reveals a truth that has the power to change every human heart. Alongside this gospel account, Lisa explores Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, where Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert embody two radically different ways of understanding righteousness, mercy, and grace. Together, these stories ask the same question: Will we come to God holding a résumé—or with empty hands? Lisa explores: Why Jesus tells Simon a story instead of condemning him What the woman at Simon's table understood that Simon missed Why forgiveness is a gift we receive, not something we earn The striking parallels between Simon the Pharisee and Inspector Javert How Jean Valjean's transformation begins with an unexpected act of mercy Why grace doesn't minimize sin—it transforms sinners What Jesus meant when He said, "He who is forgiven little loves little" How recognizing our own need for mercy changes the way we see everyone else Whether you've read Les Misérables many times or have never opened its pages, this episode is an invitation to encounter the heart of the gospel again—to discover that grace is not a reward for the worthy but a gift for those who know they need it. Journaling Questions Where am I tempted to come to God with a résumé instead of empty hands? In what area of my life am I subtly trying to earn His love or approval rather than simply receiving His grace? Is there someone I have quietly defined by their worst mistake? Ask the Lord to help you see that person through His eyes, remembering that His grace has the power to transform every human heart. Key Scripture Luke 7:36–50. Show Mention Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Spiritual Motherhood: The Transforming Power of the Feminine Genius is now available in our shop.  Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

There are seasons when life no longer looks the way we imagined. The diagnosis comes. The relationship changes. The waiting stretches on. The prayers seem unanswered. We find ourselves asking, God, what are You doing? Can I still trust You? In this bonus episode of Be Still, Lisa explores what Scripture reveals about "the Land Between"—the wilderness where the Israelites lived between Egypt and the Promised Land. While we long for quick answers and immediate resolution, God often does some of His deepest work in the waiting. Drawing from the Exodus story, Numbers 11, and Isaiah 40, Lisa reflects on what it means to trust God's character when we cannot understand His timing. She explores the difference between lament and complaint, the illusion of control, and why the wilderness becomes "trust school" for every believer. If you're living between heartbreak and hallelujah, this episode is a reminder that you are not forgotten. God has not stopped being God. He is still at work—and if He is in the waiting, then even the waiting is holy. Journaling Questions Where do I find myself in the "Land Between" today? Is there an unanswered prayer, a painful waiting, or an uncertain future where God is inviting me to trust Him? As you pray, ask the Lord to reveal whether your heart has been moving toward lament that keeps you close to Him—or complaint that is quietly pulling you away. What burden am I still carrying with clenched fists? Spend a few moments picturing yourself opening your hands before the Lord. What is He inviting you to release into His care today? Ask Him for the grace to trust His character, even when you cannot understand His timing. Key Scriptures Exodus 12:37–38. The Israelites set out from Rameses for Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, not counting the children. A crowd of mixed ancestry also went up with them, with livestock in great abundance, both flocks and herds. Numbers 11:4-23 Isaiah 40:31. They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Matthew 6:25–34 + Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery In a world that rarely slows down, God invites us to be still. In this first season of Be Still: A Walking with Purpose Podcast, Lisa Brenninkmeyer explores six Scriptures that teach us how to stop striving, quiet our hearts, and trust Him in the middle of real life. Through the wisdom of the Bible and the companionship of great books, we’ll discover how God gently holds us steady and invites us to be still—right where we are. How much of your life are you missing because you're worrying about tomorrow? Many of us spend our days mentally living in the future—anticipating problems, rehearsing conversations, bracing for losses, and trying to control outcomes we cannot control. Meanwhile, the life we're actually living slips quietly past. In this episode of Be Still, Lisa reflects on Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery and Jesus' invitation in Matthew 6 to consider the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. Anne's life was marked by uncertainty, disappointment, and longing. Yet she possessed a remarkable ability to notice beauty, delight in ordinary moments, and hope for goodness even when she had no guarantees about the future. Lisa explores: Why fear often steals the present moment The difference between being childish and childlike How naming beauty helps us notice God's gifts What Jesus meant when He told us to consider the birds and lilies The hidden cost of waiting for certainty before allowing ourselves joy How friendship grows through ordinary, repeated moments Why wonder is not the absence of anxiety, but the decision to keep noticing beauty anyway You may not know how your story will unfold. Anne didn't either. But neither of you has to know the ending to enjoy the chapter you're living right now. This episode is an invitation to stop borrowing trouble from tomorrow and begin receiving today as the gift it truly is. Journaling Questions What future concern has been occupying my thoughts lately, and how might it be preventing me from fully receiving the gifts God is giving me today? If I were Anne, what would I name as a "White Way of Delight" or a "Lake of Shining Waters" in my own life right now? Key Scripture Matthew 6:34. “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.” (NRSV) Show Mention For the young girls in your life who need your light and need your voice and need your leadership in order to blot out the darkness in their world: learn more about BLAZE and the resources we provide to speak to her heart. Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Walking with Purpose, Discovering My Purpose Bible Study for tween/teen girls. Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Luke 3:21–22 + The Inner Voice of Love by Henri Nouwen In a world that rarely slows down, God invites us to be still. In this first season of Be Still: A Walking with Purpose Podcast, Lisa Brenninkmeyer explores six Scriptures that teach us how to stop striving, quiet our hearts, and trust Him in the middle of real life. Through the wisdom of the Bible and the companionship of great books, we’ll discover how God gently holds us steady and invites us to be still—right where we are. There are moments when nothing is obviously wrong—and yet something feels off. You feel disconnected. Unsteady. Not quite like yourself. In this episode of Be Still, Lisa reflects on Luke 3 alongside Henri Nouwen’s The Inner Voice of Love, a deeply personal journal written in a season of profound interior struggle. Together, they offer a steadying truth: when we lose our sense of self, it is often because we have drifted from the voice that tells us who we are. What voices are shaping the way you see yourself? Where are you looking to secure your identity? What would it mean to return to the voice that calls you beloved? In this episode we explore how to: Recognize the competing voices within us—and gently return to the truth Receive identity as a gift from God, not something to earn or prove Distinguish between achievement and fruitfulness Stand firm in moments of pain, rather than collapsing into striving or despair Listen for the quiet, steady voice of God in the midst of inner noise God does not steady us by demanding more from us. He steadies us by reminding us who we are. Journaling Questions What voices have I been listening to lately, and what have they been telling me about who I am? Where in my life am I trying to secure my identity through achievement, approval, or control? If I place myself before God right now, what do I sense Him speaking over me? Key Scripture Luke 3:21–22. After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Show Mention Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Walking with Purpose, Rest: 31 Days of Peace Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Walking with Purpose, Fearless and Free Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Lamentations 3:25–26 + Gilead by Marilynne Robinson In a world that rarely slows down, God invites us to be still. In this first season of Be Still: A Walking with Purpose Podcast, Lisa Brenninkmeyer explores six Scriptures that teach us how to stop striving, quiet our hearts, and trust Him in the middle of real life. Through the wisdom of the Bible and the companionship of great books, we’ll discover how God gently holds us steady and invites us to be still—right where we are. Today we’re going to wait. “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” //Lamentations 3:25–26 Waiting rarely feels good. We call it frustrating. Delayed. Unfair. We ask God for patience—and then find ourselves in long lines, long conversations, long healing processes, long seasons where nothing seems to move. But Lamentations was written in the rubble of Jerusalem. The city had fallen. The temple had burned. The people were living with the consequences of idolatry and injustice. And right there—in the middle of grief—comes this quiet declaration: The Lord is good to those who wait for him. Waiting in Lamentations is corrective. Waiting in Gilead by Marilynne Robinson is mortal. Reverend John Ames is not under judgment—he is under time. Yet both kinds of waiting lead to the same place: Dependence. In this episode, Lisa explores how waiting exposes our limits, loosens our grip on control, and invites us to entrust the future to God. Through Scripture and story, we discover that waiting is not wasted time—it is often the quiet work of God forming us from the inside out. Not all waiting is the same. But all waiting confronts us with the same question: Will I try to rescue myself—or will I entrust myself to the Lord? In this episode, we explore: Why Lamentations calls waiting “good” in the middle of devastation The difference between corrective waiting and mortal waiting How dependence, not control, becomes the turning point What John Ames teaches us about blessing what we cannot manage How quiet waiting is not passivity—but surrendered faithfulness The interior work God may be doing when nothing seems to change Waiting does not always change our circumstances. But it changes our sight. It steadies us. Journaling Questions In what area of my life am I waiting?  As I wait, what is already in my hands that I can honor? What virtue might God be developing in me through this wait? Key Scripture Lamentations 3:25–26. The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Show Mention Abriendo tu corazón. This translated Spanish version of our most popular Bible study, Opening Your Heart, is now available in our shop.  Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Ecclesiastes 3:1–9 + The Gift of an Ordinary Day by Katrina Kenison In a world that rarely slows down, God invites us to be still. In this first season of Be Still: A Walking with Purpose Podcast, Lisa Brenninkmeyer explores six Scriptures that teach us how to stop striving, quiet our hearts, and trust Him in the middle of real life. Through the wisdom of the Bible and the companionship of great books, we’ll discover how God gently holds us steady and invites us to be still—right where we are. Today we’re going to slow down together with one of the most beloved verses in all of Scripture: “For everything there is a season.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) There are seasons in life we welcome with open arms—births, beginnings, planting, building. And then there are seasons we would rather skip—endings, letting go, watching time pass. In this episode, Lisa reflects on the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3 alongside Katrina Kenison’s memoir The Gift of an Ordinary Day. Together, they offer a gentle invitation for anyone navigating midlife, motherhood, relocation, identity shifts, or the quiet ache of change. What do we do when a chapter closes? How do we make peace with what was while stepping into what is becoming? How does God hold us steady when everything feels like it’s moving? In this episode we explore how to: Bear witness instead of trying to control Embrace slowness instead of striving Release nostalgia without losing gratitude Root identity in being a beloved daughter of God—not in roles or seasons God does not steady us by freezing time. He steadies us by being present in every season. Journaling Questions What season am I resisting right now—and why? Where might God be inviting me to bear witness instead of control? What “ending” do I need to bless so that I can step more freely into what is beginning? Key Scripture Ecclesiastes 3:1. For everything there is a season. Show Mention Spiritual Motherhood: The Transforming Power of the Feminine Genius. Pre-order for shipping in early August 2026.  Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Exodus 14:14 + He Leadeth Me by Walter J. Ciszek, S.J. In a world that rarely slows down, God invites us to be still. In this first season of Be Still: A Walking with Purpose Podcast, Lisa Brenninkmeyer explores six Scriptures that teach us how to stop striving, quiet our hearts, and trust Him in the middle of real life. Through the wisdom of the Bible and the companionship of great books, we’ll discover how God gently holds us steady and invites us to be still—right where we are. Today we’re going to slow down together with one of the most beloved verses in all of Scripture: “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). What do you do when you can’t fix it? When a relationship is strained. When someone you love is struggling. When a diagnosis, injustice, or uncertainty feels unbearable. In this episode, Lisa reflects on He Leadeth Me by Father Walter J. Ciszek, S.J., and the powerful promise of Exodus 14:14. Standing at the edge of the Red Sea, the Israelites faced what felt impossible. Behind them: Pharaoh’s army. Before them: the sea. No way forward. No way back. And into that panic, God gave a command that feels just as counterintuitive today: Be still. In this episode, we explore: Why our instinct is to control when we feel afraid The hidden pride beneath our striving The “if only” spiral that keeps us stuck in regret How surrender is not passivity, but trust What Father Ciszek discovered about freedom in the midst of suffering Sometimes God does not part the sea immediately. Sometimes He asks us to trust Him inside it. This episode is an invitation to release what was never yours to carry—and to believe that the Lord is fighting for you, even when you cannot see Him moving. Journaling Questions Name your Red Sea. Where in your life do you feel trapped—with something threatening behind you and something impossible in front of you? What fear is driving your urge to control? Consider your grip. Is there a plan or outcome you are holding tightly? What would “being still” look like there? Key Scripture Exodus 14:14. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still. Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Psalm 46 + Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry In a world that rarely slows down, God invites us to be still. In this first season of Be Still: A Walking with Purpose Podcast, Lisa Brenninkmeyer explores six Scriptures that teach us how to stop striving, quiet our hearts, and trust Him in the middle of real life. Through the wisdom of the Bible and the companionship of great books, we’ll discover how God gently holds us steady and invites us to be still—right where we are. Today we’re going to slow down together with one of the most beloved verses in all of Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) We often picture this verse as soft and peaceful—but Psalm 46 was written in the middle of chaos. Mountains fall. Waters roar. Nations rage. And right there, God says: Be still. Stillness isn’t the absence of trouble. It’s the decision to trust God in the middle of it. In this episode, Lisa reflects on Psalm 46 alongside Wendell Berry’s novel Hannah Coulter, a quiet story about one woman’s faithful life of loving her family, tending her home, and staying rooted in one place. Together, Scripture and story remind us that holiness is often hidden in the ordinary. You don’t have to hold the world together. You don’t have to chase a bigger life. God is already present in the one you’ve been given. In this episode, we explore: What “be still” really means in Hebrew (stop striving, release your grip) Why stillness is trust, not passivity Wendell Berry’s vision of “membership” and belonging The sacredness of ordinary, everyday faithfulness How Mary at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10) models the same posture of presence Journaling Questions Where in my life am I striving or gripping tightly — and how might God be inviting me to release control and trust Him instead? What ordinary people or places has God already entrusted to me that I’m being called to love more faithfully this week? Key Scripture Psalm 46:10. Be still, and know that I am God. Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.