Wild Grace

At some point, we have to do more than name what is broken. We have to practice another way. In today's episode, I'm talking about what embodiment, creativity, empire, and decolonizing taught me about practicing freedom in real life. Transformation is deeper than information. We do not become free simply because someone gives us the right definition or hands us a list of correct beliefs. We practice freedom by paying attention, telling the truth, slowing down, making room, listening, releasing control, and trusting the Spirit. This episode is also a reflection on ministry, leadership, holy listening, and becoming more fully who God created us to be.  www.amberleagray.com www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray Episode Themes: practicing freedom, transformation, holy listening, spiritual discernment, decolonizing, ministry, leadership, becoming, Artful Awakening

Some words get so heavy with assumptions that we stop being curious about what they actually mean. For me, "empire" and "decolonizing" are two of those words. In this episode, I define empire in plain language: the systems, stories, habits, and values that shape us away from freedom, wholeness, love, and the way of Jesus. This is not about having the fanciest vocabulary or proving we know the right words. It is about asking a deeper question: What has shaped us that keeps us from being free? We'll talk about how empire shows up in our bodies, calendars, churches, imaginations, and expectations of ourselves, and how grace invites us to practice another way. www.amberleagray.com www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray Episode Themes: empire, decolonizing, spiritual formation, freedom, wholeness, Artful Awakening, Christian spirituality, embodiment, systems, gospel, practicing another way

Have you ever said, "I'm just not creative"? I don't believe you. In this episode, I'm talking about creativity as more than talent, art, or making something impressive. Creativity is wisdom. It is prayer. It is participation in the ongoing creative work of God. I share how watercolor became a spiritual practice for me, how art helped me surrender control, and why creating can help us access things that thinking, explaining, and even traditional forms of prayer cannot always reach. This episode is for artists, non-artists, recovering perfectionists, and anyone who needs permission to make something without needing it to be good. www.amberleagray.com www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray Episode Themes: creativity, art and spirituality, creative practice, watercolor, prayer, spiritual formation, imago Dei, God as Creator, Artful Awakening, embodied spirituality

What if your body has been telling the truth, and you've just been too rushed to hear it? In this episode, I'm reflecting on what my Doctor of Ministry project, Artful Awakening, taught me about embodied spirituality, the incarnation, and the wisdom of the body. For a long time, I lived mostly from the neck up: thinking, planning, producing, and doing the next thing. But through this work, I began to learn that breath, tension, exhaustion, grief, desire, and joy can all be ways the Spirit is speaking. If God chose a body in Jesus, then our bodies are not distractions from our spiritual lives. They are part of how God meets us. www.amberleagray.com www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray Episode Themes: embodied spirituality, incarnation, body wisdom, spiritual discernment, Artful Awakening, Doctor of Ministry, spiritual formation, resistance, Christian spirituality

In this episode of Wild Grace, Amber Lea reflects on John 21, the post-resurrection story of the disciples returning to the water, a long night of empty nets, breakfast on the shore, and Jesus asking Simon Peter the same question three times: Do you love me? This is a contemplative reflection on what repeated questions do inside us. The first time, we answer quickly. The second time, something in us slows down. The third time, something more honest begins to rise. This episode explores John 21, Jesus and Peter, repeated questions, spiritual discernment, honest faith, and the answers beneath our first response. www.amberleagray.com www.amberleagray.social www.insagram.com/amber.lea.gray  

What if? If we're honest, that question can get out of control pretty quickly. We easily spiral into worry and anxiety. In today's episode of Wild Grace, we will hear about worry from the Gospel of Matthew. We will also enter into the passage with an imaginative contemplation exercise. If you have a tendency to worry, this episode is for you.  www.amberleagray.com www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray  

WAIT -- don't skip this episode! I know that silence and solitude are often not at the top of our to-do lists, but what if I said they are essential for a deep spirituality? If you're longing to be in God's presence, to grow in your faith, or to experience God's love -- then this episode is for you! I'm going to talk about the practice of silence and solitude and what it might look like to incorporate this into your own life.  www.amberleagray.com www.amberleagray.social www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray [email protected] 

How do we know what God wants us to do? What does the process of discernment look like? As a pastor, I'm often asked about discerning God's will. Is there a magic formula? In today's episode, I'm walking you through three types of prayers for discernment. These are not to-do list prayers. These are the get your hands dirty, repeat often kind of prayers - and they will transform your life. www.amberleagray.com  www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray www.amberleagray.social   

Deep breath. Episode one. Holy Listening.  Listening is central to our spiritual lives. It is the work of discernment -- not just for the big decisions but for the everyday choices. Learning to with grace changes everything. It cultivates space for transformation, where we are becoming our most true, authentic selves. www.amberleagray.com www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray [email protected] 

I'm Amber Lea - a pastor, creative, and spiritual director and I have a lot more questions than answers.  I know we just met, but will you go on a journey with me? Just a heads up, I don't have a map or a guide, or a daily itinerary. This is more like one of those old choose your own adventure books. It is a journey of wild grace. I believe that grace woos us and confronts us and comforts us. It holds our hand, pushes us over the edge, and catches us at the bottom. Grace is raw. It is real. It is a mystery. Grace is wild, untamed, and surprising. Grace takes us on a journey to find our most true, authentic selves. It allows us to explore our life and faith in ways that set us free. I'd love it if you went with me. Come on, let's wander together in fields of wild grace. The Wild Grace Podcast is launching in June 2023!  www.amberleagray.com

Resistance is often seen as a bad thing, but I'm not sure I agree. I think resistance can be an invitation to pause. Resistance is natural. In this episode of the podcast, I talk about what resistance is and some practical ways to deal with resistance in your own life. Whether it's resistance in your personal life or resistance at work, this episode is for you!  www.amberleagray.com www.amberleagray.social www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray  

Y'all, I'm in a season of life where I have A LOT more questions than answers. Please tell me that I'm not alone. Today on the podcast, I'm going to share a little bit about this season of life, what it looks like, and why it might not be a bad thing. www.amberleagray.com Substack: www.amberleagray.social www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray  

Let's be honest, making friends as an adult is hard. I think for that reason, sometimes we ignore friendship red flags. Let's talk about it.  www.amberleagray.com  Substack Community: www.amberleagray.social www.intagram.com/amber.lea.gray  

It's the 200th episode of Growth & Grace!! How is that even possible?  I took all of Janurary to process 2022, and today I'm sharing some of the things I learned. If I'm honest, it was one of the hardest years of my life. So much happened out of my control, and I had a hard time knowing who to trust. This episode shares some of the lessons I learned. It's full of both growth and grace!  www.amberleagray.com  Substack Community & Newsletter: www.amberleagray.social www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray  

HEY FRIENDS!  I've missed you, seriously! I took the month of January off, and if I'm honest... I struggled with the pause. I felt like I was letting you down and letting myself down. Today I'm going to talk a little about the last month and what it it means to restart something. I'm excited to be back, and the things planned for Growth & Grace the next few months.  I'd love to hear from you! How is 2023 going so far?! www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray www.amberleagray.com  www.amberleagray.social  

This is the most listened-to episode of 2022!  Y'all, humans are seriously the worst listeners. I think that so much conflict and hurt feelings could be avoided if we had better listening skills. So on today's episode, I'm giving you some practical things that you can start doing today to develop your listening skills!  www.amberleagray.com  www.amberleagray.social  

This is the season when we sing Joy to the World! What does Joy mean at Christmas? How does Joy feel? It has to be more than holiday lights and presents, right? Let's talk about Joy this week.  www.amberleagray.com  www.amberleagray.social  

We talk about love a lot, but what does love mean? Does love change anything? What does love look like? We are in the season of Advent, which is a time of anticipation and preparation for Christmas. There are four traditional Advent themes: peace, hope, love, and joy.  Today I'm talking about love. I'm sharing a little about what love is and how we can cultivate love in our lives. www.amberleagray.com - Shop my art!  www.amberleagray.social - Subscibe to the newsletter today!   

Hope is more than wishful thinking. Okay, but does hope change anything? What does hope look like? We are in the season of Advent, which is a time of anticipation and preparation for Christmas. There are four traditional Advent themes: peace, hope, love, and joy.  Today I'm talking about hope. I'm sharing a little about what hope is and how we can cultivate hope in our lives.  www.amberleagray.com www.amberleagray.social  

It's the season of Peace on Earth, but what does peace even mean? Is peace possible? I look at the state of the world, and I have some serious doubts! We are in the season of Advent, which is a time of anticipation and preparation for Christmas. There are four traditional Advent themes: peace, hope, love, and joy.  Today I'm talking about peace. I'm sharing a little about what peace is and how we can cultivate peace in our lives. Spoiler alert: I actually do think it is possible.  www.amberleagray.com www.amberleagray.social      

It's the holiday season when all the expectations begin to surface. We're around family who have expectations for us. Maybe we have expectations of them? We have expectations about what the holidays will look like and how other people will act. Today I'm talking about what it looks like to release those expectations so that you can find peace! www.amberleagray.com www.amberleagray.social  

If you have been struggling at work. If you have been unhappy at your job. If you have felt like something is off. If you are constantly stressed about work. This episode is for you! We spend so much time at our jobs, and so knowing these work red flags can be helpful to know if you should be looking into other opportunites. Here are the things to look out for!  www.amberleagray.com Substack: www.amberleagray.social  

Hey friends! This episode is a pep talk with you in mind. Find joy. Make yourself a priority.  Life is hard and beautiful. Both are true. You only get one life. Enjoy it. Have fun. Do things that bring you joy. This your one wild and precious life. Much love :) 

There has been a stirring in my soul the last few months, and I've been wrestling with the idea that there is abundance in the wilderness. My idea of abundance has shifted, and the wilderness seems a little less scary. On today's episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a little of my heart and how the Spirit has been moving in my life. If you feel like you've been in a wilderness lately, this episode is for you. If you struggle with a scarcity mindset, this episode is for you.  www.amberleagray.com Substack: www.amberleagray.social  

Mindfulness is another word for prayerful attention to God's presence right here, right now. It is simply becoming aware of God in this moment, without an agenda. On today's episode of the podcast, I'm going to talk a little about what spiritual mindfulness is and give you some tips on how you can cultivate this practice in your own life.  www.amberleagray.com Substack: www.amberleagray.social Balance App: https://www.balanceapp.com  

Have you ever been told that there are no bad questions? In today's episode, I want to challenge that. I believe that transformation happens when we are willing to engage in good questions. So today, I'm going to talk about what makes a question good or bad. TIP: If you're a leader, then this episode is a MUST for you!  www.amberleagray.com Substack: www.amberleagray.social Instagram: www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray  

If you struggle to see your worth or value your gifts, then this episode is for you! Today I'm sharing a sermon based on Luke:13-21 where I talk about the story of small beginnings.  www.amberleagray.com Sign up for my newsletter here:  www.amberleagray.social  

We live in a culture that tries to 'hold' people accountable. Today on the podcast, we're going to think about accountably in a different way. Let's talk about accountability as freedom, as a choice. Peter Block says that accountability is the willingness to care for the whole. How can we care for one another?  www.amberleagray.com Sign up for the weekly newsletter here:  www.amberleagray.social  

Today on the podcast I'm sharing a sermon on Luke 16, the parable of the dishonest manager. This text challenged me and my perceptions of fairness. Spoiler alert: The Gospel is not fair. Grace is not fair. What does that mean for us today?  www.amberleagray.com substack: www.amberleagray.social  

Last week on the podcast I talked about how problem solving does not work. It's was a HUGE mindset shift for me. Today we're talking about an alternative to problem solving, possibliites. What is the crossroad you currenly find yourself? That is the question that a conversation about possiblities asks. For me this coversation feels like freedom, and I'm excited that you're on this journey with me.  www.amberleagray.com  Substack: www.amberleagray.social     

Pour a glass of your favorite beverage and pull up a seat. Today we're talking about a HUGE mindset shift I have had over the last few weeks. It is the idea to STOP problem solving. Trust me. Y'all this is idea may sound wild, but I think it is essential in order to create authentic community and real transformation. On today's episode of the podcast I'm talking about why problem solving does not work.  www.amberleagray.com  Substack Community: www.amberleagray.social Book referenced in the Episode: Community: The Structure of Belonging by Peter Block  

As a society we have come a long way, but there is still stigma around seeking professional help when it comes to mental illness. We have assumptions and expectations about therapy, that may or may not be true! In this conversation with Monica DiCristina, MA LPC, we answer all the questions. Who should go to therapy? What can you expect when you get there? What the heck is confidentiality? What if I see my therapist out in public? If you've been in therapy or want to learn more, this episode is for you!  www.amberleagray.com www.monicadicristina.com  www.instagram.com/monicadicristina  

In the therapy - coaching - self-help world we talk a lot about doing 'the work.' I reference 'the work' in the intro of this very podcast - change takes courage and a little hard work.  But what does that even mean?! What is this work that we are encouraged to do? That's what I unpack this week on the Growth & Grace Podcast! www.amberleagray.com  amberleagray.blog  

STOP! Don't scroll away just yet. I know that the idea of vulnerability is scary, but trust me. There is value in vulnerability! It is a key element of cultivating deep relationships, developing self awareness, and learning leadership skills. The world need more people who are willing to be vulnerable. The world needs you.  www.amberleagray.com

Today on the podcast I'm talking about self advocacy. When is it appropriate to speak up for yourself? What should you say when things don't feel right? When should we advocate for yourselves? What if goes bad? I'm talking through all these things and more. This episode is a mix of pep talks and practical tips to help you advocate for yourself.  www.amberleagray.com

Last week I got the opportunity to preach a sermon on the Prophet Hosea. I'm not going to lie, it was a hard text. It also reminded me of a truth that my soul needed to hear. It's my prayer that episode encourages you. Most importantly, I want it to remind you that no matter what, God loves you. www.amberleagray.com

The world is changing and how we lead is changing to too. In today's episode I talk about what the old leadership models look like, and where I believe leadership trends are headed. We're talking about adaptive leadership and what adaptive leadership looks like.  www.amberleagray.com

Life is constantly chaning, and there is nothing we can do about it. I've had a lot of change in my life recently, and so it's been on my mind. How can we culitivate the skill of embracing change? What does embracing change look like? How does embracing change relate to the life of faith? I talk through all these things and more in today's episode!  www.amberleagray.com

Saying no can be hard. Especially if you're a recovering people pleaser, like me. At the same time, saying no is essential to protecting your boundaries. Sometimes we have to say no to be able to say yes to the things that matter most. In this episode, I unpack 5 tips with will make saying no easier, and you might be a little surprised by what you hear!  www.amberleagray.com

It's time for a pep talk. Despite what the highlight real on social media might say, we're all on the struggle bus. Tell your story. You have no idea who you might impact. The more we share real life, the less people feel alone. Your story matters.  www.amberleagray.com

What are spiritual practices? How do you care for your soul? What do you do to cultivate your spiritual life? How are you growing on your spiritual journey? I'm talking about all those things and more on today's episode of the podcast. Wait to the very end for a massive list of different spiritual practices you can try!  www.amberleagray.com 

Can you guess one of the top reasons people are switching jobs? Yep, you guessed it - a toxic culture! Research even shows that employees value a healthy work environment more than compensation! *mind blown* In today's episode I'm sharing some signs of a toxic work culture and what you can do if you find yourself in one.  www.amberleagray.com 

Listener Requested: Last week I did an episode on Relationship Red Flags, and a number of listeners reached out to me wanting some practical tips on what to do if you find yourself in a relationship with these red flags. So that's what I'm doing today! I'm sharing some things you can do to address relationship red flags.  www.amberleagray.com 

Summer lovin' happened so fast!  Listener Requested: Today on the podcast I'm talking about relationship red flags! Whether you've been in a long-term relationship or are still looking for love, this episode is for you. It can be applied to relationships of all kinds!  www.amberlegray.com

If you've been on a self-growth, spiritual journey for any length of time, you've probably heard the phrase, "your authentic self." It's thrown around a good bit, but I'm not sure that too many people take the time to explain it. So if this is day 1 or 1 million of your journey to wholeness, this episode is for you!  So much of 'the work' that we talk about boils down to finding and stepping into your authentic self!  www.amberleagray.com 

Bible Byte - Ephesians 6, The Armor of God Today on the podcast, I'm doing something a little different. You might know that I'm an ordained pastor, and today I'm sharing some thoughts on a Bible passage that I have heard misused a good bit. Several years ago I did a study on Ephesians, and it completely changed how I read this passage. In light of recent headlines, I think this might be helpful... whether you're a Christian or not!  HINT: This is not about an individual call to arm ourselves for a spiritual battle.  www.amberleagray.com  

It's time for a pep talk episode! I've had multiple conversations recently where people are doubting themselves. Here's what I want to say to you!  www.amberleagray.com

Have you ever found yourself disappointed, but don't know why? Have you struggled with resentment or shame, but cannot identify why you keep finding yourself in these types of situations? You might be experiencing stealth expectations. I learned about this and it was a game-changer!  www.amberleagray.com 

Your feelings are valid, but that doesn't mean they are true. Have I confused you yet?! Let's talk about what it means to validate your feelings. Honestly, there is more to it than you probably think! www.amberleagray.com

This is the MOST listened to episode of the Growth & Grace podcast to date! Want to become more self-aware? Want to have more grace for yourself and others? Want to develop better leadership skills? Want to make more money? Want to be a top performer at your job? Want to be successful? Want to have healthy relationships?  Then, let's talk about Emotional intelligence!  www.amberleagray.com