Episode 1: Swarzy Shire, BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra host

Welcome to Episode 1 of the 40 Acts Generosity Challenge podcast!  This weekly Lent podcast series from Stewardship explores what it means to live generously -through stories, reflections and practical encouragement from our 40 Acts community.   In this opening episode, Ruth Jackson is joined by BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra host, speaker and cultural influencer Swarzy Shire, who kicks off the series with warmth, honesty and humour. She shares her thoughts on our upside-down approach to Lent, her experiences in creating content for it and how she's buckling up for the challenge ahead.   "Generosity grows when we stop striving for perfection and start running towards Jesus - because when we remember how much we've been given, giving becomes a joy, not a task."  Swarzy's favourite verse for Lent   'I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth'. Psalms 121:1-2 (NIV).   A fresh insight: the '121' reminder of God's personal help and presence.  See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage  How you can pray for Swarzy:  to run towards Jesus rather than drift back to old patterns  boldness to live out faith in her workplace and platform  wisdom in balancing public influence with private discipleship  for her family, who do not yet share her faith  for continued fruitfulness through The Last Supper Club, which Swarzy set up and hosts in her home as a way of sharing the love of Jesus  Related links:  Follow Swarzy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swarzyshire/ and check out The Last Supper Club collaboration with Stewardship. Final thoughts:  Thank you for joining us for the first episode of this special Lent series. New episodes will drop weekly throughout 40 Acts - packed with stories, encouragement and practical ways to live generously.  If the conversation inspired you:  subscribe by signing up to 40acts, our generosity challenge for Lent:  https://www.stewardship.org.uk/40acts  You'll receive a daily email for the 40 days of Lent, each one with a reflection, challenge and prayer prompt. On Wednesdays, the email will also include a link to the next 40acts podcast episode.   You can also follow and track your 40acts journey in the Stewardship Giving App for the first time this year, helping you stay engaged and see how your generosity grows.  Please also remember to:  leave a review on your favourite podcast platform   share the podcast with someone starting their Lent journey   Follow us on social media:   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stewardship/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stewardship.org.uk  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/stewardshipuk    Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Esther Simmons  Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/40acts/generosity-challenge-podcast