Forgiveness, Hate, God's Name and the Fight for Power
Episode 4 The Struggle is Real
Hey friends,
Well, if you’ve listened in, you know some of the depths of my struggle with all of this Charlie Kirk stuff. This is just the tip, quite honestly, because I have so many questions about why and how and what about the people who felt marginalized and traumatized by the words that were said and the things that were represented? And I. Just. Don’t. Know.
I’m also struggling with this little Josh Howerton reel that my friend sent me (thank you, Mike) where he points out that CNN commentator Don Lemon proved the Word of God when he said that God was present in that place and it was horrible, and he referenced these verses from 2 Corinthians 2:15-16
“For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an odor that brings death, to the other a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task?”
Because the friend that called me out, the one who inspired this entire episode, she referenced this Scripture also. And I’m honestly not sure if she is thinking that because I didn’t only smell the fragrance of life I am from Satan (?). The binary thinking is so troubling there. And it’s what inspired me to struggle openly here with this episode because I don’t want to be like that but from the other side.
I just want to find Jesus. Can we just. not. do. sides. ?
And so if He was there, and the aroma of life was there and His people who truly worshiped Him spread that fragrance around because He is God and that’s how and what He does, then ok.
AND.
Also. We have to recognize that there were wretched moments where God’s holy name was used for purposes of vanity. And this was not ok.
So this is my struggle.
The middle is hard. The struggle is real.
Anyway.
Here are some questions that might help you think through the whole thing if journaling helps you like it helps me. My co-worker Irma (I named co-pilot Irma) helped with these. Drop me a note if you’d like to. I’d love to hear from you.
With love and prayers from the middle,
Bria
📝 Journaling Prompts for Episode 4:
“Forgiveness, Hate, God’s Name and the Fight for Power”
1. Where have I resisted God’s glory because I didn’t like the vessel?
Reflect on moments when God showed up in ways that offended your expectations. What did you want Him to do instead? What does that reveal about your assumptions?
2. What promises has God kept in my life—through mess, grief, or contradiction?
Think about a time when God fulfilled something He spoke over you, but the path to it was painful, confusing, or not what you would’ve chosen.
3. How do I discern the difference between God being glorified and His name being exploited?
What signs help you recognize true gospel proclamation versus political or personal gain? How do you hold both without shutting down?
Loved this mornings podcast. Well done!