Hello, friend. Thank you for joining me this week. If you've missed some episodes or are just tuning in for the first time, this is a great place to start. We're talking about what happens when grace happens, something I didn't fully understand until I was years into ministry. I pray you understand it today.
Hi, friend. Welcome to the Encouraging Word Podcast. This week's episode brings us to a story you've probably heard; you may even hear it this Holy Week. In John chapter 13, we read about Jesus washing his followers' feet. This passage is often referred to when teaching about service or humility. But it also offers something else very important-how to respond to someone who hurts you.
What happens when you don't fit into the social norms? What happens when the social skills that are "supposed to" feel "easy", feel like an incredibly difficult challenge? This is a glimpse of what it's like to live with neurodivergence, and a diagnosis that impacts your social skills, such as ADHD or Autism. Today on the show Kendall Mariah, Instagram influencer and content creator, opens up to me about the burden and struggles of living with social challenges in a relational world. She never felt like she was "normal" growing up, and she couldn't figure out why friendships were so hard for her. It's been a long journey for her, and one that's not finished yet, but she's learned how to steward her differences and see the blessings in her diagnosis - and you will too. If you or someone you know struggles with being "different" or having some type of neurodevergence, this episode is for you!
Learn more and go deeper by ordering my new book People Skills anywhere books are sold.
The Debra Fileta Counselors Network:
Book a counseling session at the Debra Fileta Counselors Network and get started on your healing journey from the inside out TODAY!
DEBRA FILETA is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselors Network. She is the bestselling author of eight books including Choosing Marriage, Are You Really OK?, RESET, and Soul Care. Debra is the host of the popular podcast and nationally syndicated radio show Talk To Me where she facilitates on-air authentic counseling-style sessions with notable pastors and leaders. You may also recognize her voice from her appearances on national television and radio, including Better Together, The Kirk Cameron Show, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and many others. She reaches millions of people each year with the message of mental, emotional, and relational health. Connect with her on Instagram or at DebraFileta.com.
This week on the POGcast, the girls are talking about highlights from their trips to Europe (and exciting news from Denise!), their advice for new empty nesters, and what the thief's response to Jesus on the cross means for us today.
We want to hear your real stories of true friendship! Email us at pointofgracestories@gmail.com and you may even hear it on the podcast!
Timestamps:
1:49 What's Up: Engagements, Michelin Star Fish & Chips, and The European Pace of Life
20:34 Circle of Friends: Tiffany, Big Changes, and Advice About Empty Nesting
27:06 What in the Word: Passion Week, Luke 23, and the Thief on The Cross
33:48 Circle Up: Mammograms, Shokz Headphones, and "Calm My Anxious Heart"
In this special episode from the Back Porch Theology Christmas Tour, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard come together for a warm, hope-filled conversation about faith, waiting, and the meaning of Christmas. Through laughter, Scripture, and personal stories, they explore biblical waiting, from Zechariah and Elizabeth to Simeon and Anna, reminding us that waiting is never wasted and is always part of God's story. Wrap up in a blanket, grab a warm drink, and pull up a chair ~ it's Christmas on the porch.
Join Jennie, Levi, and Lisa Harper - author speaker and mom - for a conversation on the art of storytelling, hearing from God, meeting famous people, and online dating.
Connect with Levi: levilusko.com @levilusko on social media
Connect with Jennie: jennielusko.com or @jennielusko on social media
Connect with Fresh Life Church: freshlife.church or @freshlife on social media
Connect with Lisa: lisaharper.net or @lisadharper on social media
How Much More by Lisa
Lisa's New 100 Day Devotional
Kick-off 2025 with Levi and Jennie Lusko in their first-ever live Q&A episode of Hey! It's The Luskos! They explore setting a vision for 2030, balancing faith with family and sports, and share practical tips for aspiring writers. Discover their favorite family traditions, how they navigate big life changes, and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of it all. Whether you're seeking motivation for the New Year, advice on Christian parenting, or insights on personal growth, this episode is packed with faith-filled wisdom and fun. Don't miss it!
Connect with us on social!
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
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Download free Vision Map: https://bit.ly/3Dz5CxA
"You in 5 Years" Sermon Series: https://bit.ly/41WX2Tr
Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe
Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI
Timestamps:
07:13 - Starting the Live Q&A with Audience Questions
08:12 - Thoughts on the Moon and Mars Race
09:21 - Where to Start When Writing a Book
14:29 - Managing Kids, Sports, and Keeping Jesus First
20:52 - Balancing Family Traditions and Spiritual Priorities
30:51 - Should Tattoos and Piercings Affect Ministry Roles?
34:51 - How to Decide When It's Time to Move Jobs or Cities
49:55 - The Three Most Influential People in Our Lives
53:03 - The Esau Syndrome and Trading Lifelong Gifts
31:08 - Plans for Writing Fiction in the Future
32:20 - Navigating Family Members Passing Away Gracefully
36:15 - Re-preaching a Sermon Series with New Perspective