Episode 172: Theology of Suffering & Spiritual Formation with Bo Stern-Brady

Today we are going to talk about moving through suffering and loss and finding meaning in life - the deep waters. With Bo Stern-Brady as my guest, I know you will find some gold in the midst of this conversation. Bo is the author of Beautiful Battlefields, When Holidays Hurt and Ruthless. She has been a pastor for a few decades and speaks nationally. She’s a mom, step-mom, and a grandma. Jeff and I have been through some deep waters of suffering lately, and after spending two decades helping people grieve and heal from the losses of this life, the theology of suffering never gets old. I love this conversation because Bo, a wise sage for today, gets honest about her own niave views of suffering until her first husband was diagnosed with ALS and then passed away leaving her to raise her children as a single-mom. Nothing brings us face to face with Jesus like suffering. Bo and I talk about the ways we fight suffering, try to control it, and what myths we need to let go of in the midst. Bo shares insights about the greatest temptations people face when they are suffering, tips for suffering well, and how to walk alongside a friend or loved one who is going through a season of deep loss.    Bo reminds us that no matter why we have suffering - because of our own choices or the brokenness of this world - the question is not about "why" did this happen but "how" can we let it uncover more of our truest identity. In addition to suffering, Bo talks about leadership and spirtual formation and what every human being needs at the core of their existence. Listen in friends. This episode is one you'll want to play on repeat.  And, will you do us a favor and share with a friend who is suffering and needs a word of hope today? This won't be trite. But like a balm for the soul. As always, leave a review! It helps us meet new listeners along the way.    To connect with Bo Stern-Brady, visit: ONLINE -  bostern.com SOCIAL -  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bstern?fref=ts Twitter - https://twitter.com/Bostern Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bosternbrady/ BOOKS -  Beautiful Battlefields  Ruthless When Holidays Hurt OTHER -  Writer for the SoulSpace app  Founder of She-ology    If you are a female leader and looking for a way to connect with us, our Executive Coaches, Connie Armerding, Rhonda Began and I, Terra Mattson, will be leading a 6 month group coaching series. It will run through July 2023, meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. You can register anytime. It’s only $45/month and we will be covering all those unique challenges women face as leaders. To find out more, go to www.livingwholehearted.com/executive-coaching.   We LOVE that you have decided to join us this week for the Living Wholehearted Podcast. We hope you enjoyed the conversation, tips, and resources to help you transform every relationship that matters most to you. If you think this will help someone you know, make sure you send it their way or share on socials. Tag us @living_wholehearted and @terramattson! Don't forget to FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss an episode and help spread the word by leaving us some stars on a review. Thanks for partnering with us to help more leaders, just like you, who want to live and lead with integrity at home, work and in the community.  You can always subscribe to our monthly newsletters at livingwholehearted.com. And, if you are a girl mom, check out mycourageousgirls.com.   Until next time, be the leader you would follow!   Grateful for you, Jeff & Terra   To connect with Jeff & Terra Mattson and Living Wholehearted, go to:   INSTAGRAM @TerraMattson @Living_Wholehearted @MyCourageousGirls   FACEBOOK @WeAreLivingWholehearted @MyCourageousGirls   WEBSITES LivingWholehearted.com TerraMattson.com  MyCourageousGirls.com   RESOURCES Shrinking the Integrity Gap        https://davidccook.org/shrinking-integrity-gap-book/ Shrinking the Integrity Gap e-Course        https://www.livingwholeheartedstore.com/e-courses Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace       https://mycourageousgirls.com/shop/p/book-courageous-being-daughters-rooted-in-grace Dear Mattsons        https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdPzQ_cUwCbRc-MQ40KL3a6ze06CiY38l Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters        http://cpguides.org   Living Wholehearted is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org