In a world where discussions about sex, relationships, and faith often intersect, Sheila Wray Gregoire's journey stands out as a beacon of light in unraveling the complexities of purity culture. From her experiences as a blogger, author, and researcher, Sheila brings a unique perspective to the forefront of discussions surrounding Christian teachings on sex and relationships.

In the ever-evolving landscape of societal norms and expectations, conversations surrounding masculinity and sexuality have become increasingly crucial. One such voice delving into this complex terrain is Zachary Wagner, author of the groundbreaking book "Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality." In a recent podcast with Michael Kromendyk of ReStory Counseling, Zachary candidly shared insights from his journey, shedding light on the nuances of masculinity in the context of purity culture.

As parents, navigating the complexities of raising children is a journey fraught with challenges, learning opportunities, and moments of profound growth. In a series on story-based parenting, we have explored the fundamental aspects of shaping our parenting approach through the lens of our own stories. From understanding the stages of walking through a holistic view of our narratives to delving into paradigm shifts in parenting perspectives, the journey has been enlightening and transformative.

Parenting is a journey filled with challenging conversations, and one of the most crucial topics that often requires careful consideration is sex and sexuality. As parents, it is essential to navigate these discussions with sensitivity, openness, and honesty to support our children in understanding and embracing their identities.

In the enchanting realm of millennial weddings, where the magic of love unfolds, witnessing the groom's tearful joy as his bride descends the aisle becomes a poignant celebration of deep connection. In the exploration of Numbers 6 Aaronic Blessing, the blog delves into the profound impact of God's radiant delight, likened to a father's joy embracing a prodigal child. This poignant journey from emotional longing to divine beholding encapsulates the transformative power of the blessing: "The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

In the realm of psychology, the still-face experiment, though ethically questionable today, unveils the profound impact of facial interactions. Similarly, the biblical blessing in Numbers 6 emphasizes the significance of God's face, drawing parallels to psychological concepts. As we explore attunement and containment in human relationships, today's focus shifts to peace, embodied by the Hebrew word "shalom." This ancient wisdom, aligning with psychological findings, reinforces the notion that true peace stems from attunement and containment, assuring us that, even in a dissonant world, a harmonious and contained space is within reach.

In life's unexpected twists, the power of keeping – an art extending beyond mere preservation – unfolds. A personal anecdote reveals how a mother's calming presence amid her daughter's broken leg crisis exemplifies the essence of containment and protection. Exploring the Hebrew understanding of keeping, synonymous with being big enough to hold another's struggles, this blog post emphasizes the necessity of safe relationships. In a world where such sanctuaries are invaluable, the divine promise in Numbers 6:22-27 becomes a beacon, assuring that, like God, we too can offer calmness, protection, and peace to those around us.

In our journey of faith serving in Christian ministry in the Middle East, my wife, Beth, and I stumbled upon a hidden underground cathedral amidst ancient caves. In this sacred space, surrounded by our international team, we felt the divine presence as we shared a loaf of bread and a chalice of wine in the eerie glow of a single beam of light. Reflecting on this transformative experience, we explore the profound richness of the familiar blessing from Numbers chapter 6, realizing that God's face, symbolizing love and presence, holds the key to understanding our human experience. Join us in the coming weeks as we delve deeper into the Aaronic blessing and its impact on our identities as beloved children of God

Yearning for solace amid life's challenges is universal. The Restory Approach explores individualized comfort, addressing comfort deficits from childhood and guiding toward healing through self-reflection and a grounded relationship with God. Embrace this transformative journey, redirecting the search for comfort towards healthy connections, for lasting healing and true comfort.

Embarking on a journey through the fragments of time captured in old family photographs, Chris discovers the profound ability of these images to encapsulate the essence of loved ones. Unraveling stories within the frames, memories of care and support surface, like the maze-like boxes that once echoed with childhood laughter in the backyard. As the blog delves into the realm of implicit memories, it reveals the unseen threads weaving through our lives, influencing our actions, responses, and the narratives we construct for ourselves and our families. Join us on the transformative journey of ReStory, where we explore the power of implicit memory, unlocking a deeper understanding of our stories and fostering healing and growth.

In Colorado, we have witnessed the devastating effects of wildfires and droughts firsthand. Our lives and the beauty of our beloved mountains and rivers have been impacted by the scorched earth and ongoing drought. Experience the restoration and hope of re-storying our lives according to God's design.

As we journey through life, we're bound to encounter various stories—some filled with joy, love, and triumph, while others bear the weight of pain, fear, and adversity. While we often shine a light on the "Big T" traumas, those monumental events that leave indelible marks, this blog invites us to explore the quieter, yet equally impactful, "Little t" traumas. By acknowledging subtle cues like bodily sensations, emotional triggers, and unmet needs, we embark on a path of healing and restoration, recognizing that our individual narratives are woven from a tapestry of experiences, both conspicuous and concealed.

Explore the transformative ReStory Process, likened to organizing a cluttered garage, where counseling may initially intensify emotional chaos before true healing begins. Delve beyond surface-level relief, confronting underlying stories and beliefs contributing to pain, and navigate through catharsis, inner resistance, and the pivotal marker of reclaiming innocence lost. Embrace the journey of self-compassion, trust the counseling process, and let the light of kindness and grace illuminate the darkest corners of your story, leading to genuine transformation and a rediscovery of your true essence.

Explore the intricate world of memory and personal narratives in the latest bonus episode of "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast. The episode delves into the captivating contradictions of Mark Driscoll's origin story, challenging the integrity of the narrative and prompting thought-provoking questions about the influence of memory on our truths. From the complexity of memory and the impact of trauma to the diversity of stories stemming from shared experiences, this blog post takes a closer look at the power of our memories and the significance of understanding the stories we tell ourselves.

In life, transitions are the threads that weave our narrative, shaping who we are and who we become. While change may bring uncertainty, it also presents opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Embracing these transitions with resilience allows us to adapt, evolve, and ultimately thrive in the face of life's inevitable flux.