S12 E4 - Salt and Light: Live from SEEK 2023

This week, we have a very special episode that was recorded live from the FOCUS SEEK 2023 Conference in St. Louis! Here we discussed the importance of surrendering to God the tender and wounded places of our soul. Just as salt can flavor a dish from the inside out, so must we allow God’s abundant love to transform our hearts. Only once we do this, can we be a light to others. This transformation can sometimes be a painful process. Many times, when we see the struggle ahead, we can be tempted to turn away from the good. But friends, pain is part of the process, and it makes us love the outcome even more. As you listen to today’s episode, ask yourself, “if you just said yes to God, what would your light look like if you let it shine?”

Heather’s One Thing- Glass Canvas 

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Michelle and Heather’s kids

Michelle’s One Thing - Everyone at the SEEK conference and all our listeners

Michelle’s Other One Thing - the FOCUS staff

Michelle’s Other Other One Thing - Pope Benedict XVI

Michelle’s Other Other Other One Thing - College Football (especially SEC University of Georgia)

Discussion Questions:

• What is the Lord calling you to in this season?
• How are you responding to the Lord’s calling in your life?
• How has Christ conquered you with Love? How is He conquering you with Love now?
• What do you think Jesus believes about you in your weaknesses?

Journal Questions:

• Where in my life am I choosing lukewarmness or mediocrity over abundant life?
• How do you experience your own weaknesses?
• What do you believe about yourself in your own weaknesses? 
• What do you think Jesus believes about you in your weaknesses?
• How do you experience other people’s weaknesses?

Quotes to Ponder:

“Each of you has a personal vocation which He has given you for your own joy and sanctity. When a person is conquered by the fire of His gaze, no sacrifice seems too great to follow Him and give Him the best of ourselves. This is what the saints have always done, spreading the light of the Lord ... and transforming the world into a welcoming home for everyone.” 

― Pope Benedict XVI

“Fear not; rise, He is calling you.” 

 ― Mark 10:49

“I have called you by name & you are mine.”

 ― Isaiah 43:1 

“God came into the world to reawaken the thirst for great things in us.”

― Pope Benedict XVI

“Holiness never goes out of fashion.”

― Pope Benedict XVI

Scripture for Lectio: 

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

Sponsor - Walking with Purpose:

Are you looking for an opportunity to dive deeper into Scripture?

Do you long for the wisdom of Christ as you navigate the messages of today’s culture?

Rooted and Radiant is the newest Bible study from Walking with Purpose, a Catholic women’s ministry whose mission is to help women and girls encounter Jesus through Scripture. Rooted and Radiant is written for any woman who wants to live her life grounded in Jesus Christ. In this study, you will learn the book of Colossians verse by verse and understand the challenges that faced the Colossians, which are remarkably similar to our own challenges today. Learn how to abide in the wisdom of Christ and encounter the God of clarity and peace. AT podcast listeners can receive 15% your Rooted and Radiant study - available in both paperback and e-book format - with the code ABIDING2023 (thru 3/1/2023).