Rev. Christian Briones: Joy, Lament, and Telling the Truth

In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us, “The truth will set you free.” 

Rev. Christian Briones gives us some of that truth today. He speaks honestly about his experiences as a pastor in Minneapolis during the aftermath of George Floyd’s death and how he has seen first-hand the fact that lament and joy often travel side-by-side through our lives. Christian reminds us that, even in scripture, you can be furious with God in one breath and praising God with the next. That is part of our human experience, and even Jesus does it, too, when he cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Today’s episode, my friends, will set you free. It will set you free to live into the fullness of who you are, without hiding anything, and know that God loves you for who you are, leaving nothing out. Let Rev. Christian’s words wash over you, telling you that you can show up with God as your whole self, reminding you to rest when you need to, and giving you permission to feel all of your feelings. You are welcome exactly as you are.

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Rev. Christian Briones is passionate about embodying the Gospel of Jesus to the world around him and beyond. He is a first generation Latinx American by way of El Salvador and Mexico. Christian grew up in Garland, Texas and currently resides in Minneapolis, Mn where he leads as the Associate Minister at Mayflower Church.  When he's not doing ministry he enjoys cartoons, playing video games, reading, writing, exercising and quality time with loved ones.

You can find and listen to his sermons here.