64. The Baggage We Carry: Friendship, Faith, and Letting Go of What Was with Debbie Avinger

Deb returns to the Gen X Juggler podcast’s “back to basics” roots and welcomes lifelong friend Debbie Avinger, who previously appeared in the early audio-only days.   They reflect on 42+ years of friendship, midlife pressures, parenting stages, and how difficult seasons can pile up. Their conversation centers on “baggage”—personal burdens and the unseen burdens others carry—and how to respond without regret by leaning on God and community.   They discuss Christ-centered tools such as breath prayers using scripture, the nervous system’s tendency to replay “what was,” and the challenge of self-isolation, pride, and shame when struggling. Debbie shares a short piece, “The River of Was,” about giving burdens and even “crowns” to God, who “was, is, and is to come,” emphasizing daily mercy and taking life one day at a time.   00:00 Back to Basics 00:46 Meet Debbie Avinger 02:46 Lifelong Friendship 04:37 Kids and Teaching 06:47 Hard Seasons Ahead 08:01 Baggage and Jesus 11:02 Breath Prayer Practice 16:49 Prompted to Reach Out 24:19 Isolation and Pride 32:49 River of Was 38:45 Living in the Is 42:31 Closing Thoughts   Debbie Avinger's son has a YouTube Channel! Find it on Youtube @Mr.Shmeeshmoe   For speaking and event inquiries, please contact Deb at: [email protected]   **Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message      on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler   Links to Gen X Juggler: https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965 https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ== https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1   **THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**