Has God ever felt distant?

In this episode of The Mercy Cast, I sit down with my friend Jen Thompson, author of Return to Jesus, for a heartfelt conversation that cuts right to the core of what it means to feel distant from God—and how His invitation to return never goes away. We talk honestly about those times when life feels overwhelming, when prayer feels empty, and when functional saviors (things we turn to instead of God) slowly edge Him out of our hearts.

But here's the truth we kept coming back to: God's love is unconditional. Period. It's not based on what we do or how we perform. He loves us because He made us. And He invites us—again and again—to come home.

This conversation became a journey into what it means to really accept that love. Not just mentally agree with it, but live it. To let it transform how we see ourselves and others and even how we handle struggles.

We talked about:

✨ What it means to return to Jesus—over and over again

✨ Why self-acceptance is a reflection of God's love

✨ The sacred rhythm of prayer and surrender

✨ Trusting God's provision—even in uncertainty

✨ How gratitude anchors us in the present

✨ And how our relationship with God changes everything, including how we show up in community

For me, one of the most potent reminders was this: "We are made in the image of love." That's not just poetic—it's personal. And when we affirm our worth in the light of God's love, we become more equipped to love others well. Everything in life becomes part of our mission—not just what we do overseas or on Sundays, but how we care, show up, and listen.

We don't have to earn His presence. He's already here. And when we make space for Him—through prayer, gratitude, community, and trust— we can be surprised by His grace in the most ordinary moments.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We're not alone when we feel distant—God still pursues us.
• Self-love isn't selfish; it's a response to being loved by God.
• Returning to Jesus is about trust, surrender, and presence.
• Personal rhythms of faith and prayer build intimacy with God.
• Gratitude and grace keep us grounded in our spiritual journey.
• "God stands waiting with open arms."
• "His invitation hasn't gone away."
• "Everything in life is our mission."
• "I am loved."
• "We are made in the image of love."
• "Jesus loves me as I am."
• "We can be so hard on ourselves."
• "I love myself as I am."

🙏 If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who might need the reminder: You are loved. You are invited back. Every day is a new chance to return to Jesus.

Let's continue walking this spiritual journey together.

#God #Love #Faith #SelfAcceptance #Compassion #ReturnToJesus #SpiritualJourney #Prayer #Trust #UnconditionalLove #PersonalGrowth #Gratitude #Surrender #Community #RelationshipWithGod

Read Jen’s book, Return to Jesus. You can follow her on Instagram.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Have you ever felt disillusioned?

In this episode of MercyCast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Nick McDonald, the author of The Light in Our Eyes: Rediscovering the Love, Beauty, and Freedom of Jesus in an Age of Disillusionment. Our conversation was a raw and honest exploration of vulnerability, adversity, disillusionment, and rebuilding faith.

Nick opened up about his journey—what it looked like to question long-held beliefs, wrestle with evangelicalism, and confront the trauma that often lingers in religious spaces. I deeply resonated with Nick's reflections on what it means to rediscover the Gospel, not just as a theological concept but as a source of grace, compassion, restoration, and renewal.

This episode is a reminder that it's okay to ask questions. It's okay to lament. And it's okay to start again.

If you've ever felt disillusioned by the Church, or if you're searching for a faith that embraces both the head and the heart, the spiritual and the physical, I believe this episode will meet you where you are.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Vulnerability is a scary but necessary part of faith.
• Many people are deconstructing their faith to find what is real.
• Deconstruction can lead to confusion, but it can also foster growth.
• The Gospel often presented is anemic and lacks depth.
• We need to address the whole person in our faith journey.
• Jesus cares about both our souls and our bodies.
• Historical context is crucial in understanding evangelicalism.
• The Social Gospel has implications for how we live out our faith.
• Restoration and renewal are central to the Christian experience.
• Disillusionment can be a part of growth in faith.

Read Nick’s book, The Light in Our Eyes.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

What happens when you begin to lose your voice? How do you regain it?

In this powerful episode of the mercyCast, Vanessa Abraham, author of the new book, Speechless: How a Speech Therapist Lost Her Ability to Speak and Her Silent Struggle to Reclaim Her Voice and Life, shares her inspiring journey of healing and recovery, diving deep into themes of compassion, trauma, and reclaiming one's voice. Through honest conversations about mental health, identity, and self-acceptance, Vanessa explores how community support and resilience play a vital role in overcoming adversity. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of healing and the importance of owning your truth on the path to recovery.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We often hide our struggles, but they remain present.
• Losing one's voice can lead to an identity crisis.
• The journey to reclaiming voice is terrifying yet transformative.
• Grief and pain can lead to dark thoughts.
• Practicing gratitude can help ground us in difficult times.
• Community support is crucial for healing and recovery.
• Our thoughts shape our reality and identity.
• Finding joy in small moments can foster resilience.
• It's important to acknowledge the impact of trauma on loved ones.
• We are not alone in our struggles; community can lift us up.

Read Vanessa’s book, Speechless. You can also follow her on Instagram.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Surrender and connection often go together.

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler engages in a profound conversation with Brittany Higgs, founder of the Her Campaign, an organization dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking. They explore the journey into anti-trafficking advocacy, the personal experiences that shaped their commitment, and the importance of connecting with vulnerable individuals. Brittany shares her transformative experiences in war zones, the impact of personal connection on healing, and the necessity of intimacy with God in the healing process. The conversation emphasizes the challenges of healing, the significance of triggers, and the balance between striving for perfection and embracing grace. In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler and Britney Higgs explore the profound theme of surrender in the context of faith and personal growth. They discuss the challenges and fears associated with surrendering to God, emphasizing the importance of recognizing His goodness and promises. Britney shares her journey with the Her Campaign, illustrating how surrender has played a crucial role in her work with survivors of trafficking. The conversation highlights the significance of trusting God in difficult times and the transformative power of vulnerability.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Brittany Higgs shares her journey into anti-trafficking advocacy.
• Personal experiences in war zones shaped her commitment to helping survivors.
• The importance of connecting with vulnerable individuals is emphasized.
• Healing is a painful but necessary process.
• Triggers can be seen as gifts that reveal deeper issues.
• Intimacy with God is crucial for personal healing and growth.
• Striving for perfection can hinder our relationship with God.
• The power of the Holy Spirit can transform our lives.
• Understanding our identity as God's children is essential.
• Healing is an ongoing journey that requires surrender and trust. Surrender comes from recognizing God's nature and promises.
• Trusting God can lead to unexpected blessings.
• Surrendering can be a scary but necessary journey.
• God's presence is felt in our vulnerability.
• Surrender allows us to experience God's power on display.
• It's important to anchor ourselves in God's promises.
• Surrender is about being willing to do the impossible.
• God is good, even when situations are not comfortable.
• Vulnerability can lead to personal growth and healing.
• Trusting God means leaning into His goodness.

Learn more about the Her Campaign.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

How do we move forward when we are waiting?

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Rebecca George, author of You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry Up World, delve into the theme of longing, exploring how unmet needs and desires shape our lives. They discuss the importance of waiting well, living fully in the present, and recognizing God's orchestration in our stories. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the challenges of navigating envy and identity, especially in the context of singleness, while emphasizing the beauty of individual journeys and the hope found in faith. In this conversation, Rebecca George and Raleigh Sadler explore the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on the themes of perfectionism, reality in marriage, the concept of 'chill hours' in longing, the importance of surrendering to God's will, and finding purpose in periods of waiting. They share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these challenges with faith and self-awareness.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We all have unmet needs and longings.
• God is at work even when we can't see Him.
• Longing can lead to more longing.
• Waiting well involves living fully in the present.
• Acceptance is key to navigating life's challenges.
• God writes beautiful stories in our lives.
• Envy can arise in seasons of waiting.
• We can hold both joy for others and our own longings.
• Personal stories illustrate God's orchestration.
• Living in community helps combat feelings of isolation. Not everything was perfect and it was messy and it was hard.
• The reality of married life is not always shiny and happy.
• We often superimpose our desires on a pedestal meant for God alone.
• Surrendering means recognizing when something has become an idol.
• Chill hours are necessary for growth and fruitfulness.
• We need to savor the moments we have, especially in marriage.
• Longing can be a part of God's purpose for us.
• Trusting God means believing He has our best intentions at heart.
• It's important to take things slow and enjoy the journey.
• You are not too late; God sees the entirety of our lives.

Find Rebecca’s new book, You’re Not Too Late, here.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

How vital is empowerment?

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler speaks with Andrea and Haril Kazindra, co-founders of Musana, about their journey of taking legal guardianship of 80 children in Uganda. They discuss the importance of origin stories, the challenges faced in rescuing vulnerable children, and the need for empowerment over dependency in charitable efforts. The conversation highlights the transformative power of self-reliance and community engagement in addressing poverty and vulnerability. In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler engages with Andrea and Haril Kazindra about the transformative work of Musana, a holistic organization focused on breaking cycles of dependency through locally-led social enterprises. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for healing, the vision of impacting lives through education and healthcare, and the balance between mercy and justice in community work. The conversation emphasizes the need for a shift in how philanthropy is approached, advocating for sustainable solutions that empower communities rather than create dependency. The speakers share personal challenges and the importance of trusting in a higher purpose while encouraging listeners to embrace discomfort and take risks in their own lives.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Pain often points to our purpose.
• Andrea and Haril took legal guardianship of 80 children.
• They faced death threats while rescuing children.
• Empowerment is key to community transformation.
• Charity alone does not develop countries.
• Self-reliance fosters dignity and creativity.
• Communities can solve their own problems.
• Musana employs 700 Ugandans as change agents.
• Lydia's story exemplifies empowerment and transformation.
• True change comes from within communities.
• Creating safe spaces for healing is essential.
• Musana's mission is to impact lives through education and healthcare.
• Holistic approaches are necessary for community transformation.
• Breaking cycles of dependency is a key goal.
• Mercy and justice must coexist in community work.
• Trusting in a higher purpose helps overcome challenges.
• Self-reliance and spiritual dependency can coexist.
• Philanthropy should focus on sustainable solutions.
• Embrace discomfort to foster growth and change.
• Mindfulness in giving is crucial for long-term impact.

Learn more about the work of Musana.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

Have you ever experienced an answer to prayer?

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler engages with Richard Gamble, founder of the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer UK. They explore the significance of prayer, personal testimonies of faith, and the importance of sharing stories of answered prayers. Richard shares his journey of faith, including his own experiences with chronic illness and how prayer has transformed his life. The conversation emphasizes the need for patience in waiting for God's answers, the power of testimony to inspire hope, and the importance of maintaining a relationship with God through prayer. Richard challenges listeners to trust in God's timing and to actively engage in their faith journey, even in the face of adversity.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Prayer is a powerful tool for connecting with God.
• The Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer aims to make hope visible.
• Personal testimonies can inspire and encourage others.
• Waiting on God can lead to character refinement.
• Testimonies of answered prayers change the spiritual atmosphere.
• God's timing is often different from our expectations.
• Maintaining a relationship with God is crucial in prayer.
• Sharing stories of faith helps others in their journey.
• Prayer is about trust and dependence on God.
• Choosing to engage in faith can lead to deeper intimacy with God.

Learn more about the Eternal Wall of Prayer.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

How do we finally achieve boss-level authenticity and deep connection?

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Tom Bennardo explore the significance of authenticity and vulnerability in building meaningful relationships. They discuss the challenges of navigating these concepts in a world that often promotes curated versions of self. The conversation delves into the role of suffering in revealing our true selves, the importance of community, and the need for deeper levels of honesty in our interactions. They also address the balance between setting boundaries and being open, emphasizing the necessity of trust in fostering genuine connections. Ultimately, they highlight the value of sitting with one another in life's messy moments, rather than rushing to fix or gloss over discomfort. In this conversation, Tom Bennardo and Raleigh Sadler explore the significance of vulnerability in leadership and community. They discuss how being open and honest about struggles can lead to healing and deeper connections. The importance of finding safe spaces for vulnerability, cultivating genuine fellowship (koinonia), and the dynamics of community relationships are emphasized. They also touch on the unexpected nature of friendships and the intentionality required to build meaningful connections within a church or community setting.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Authenticity is crucial for meaningful relationships.
• Connection often falters when authenticity is absent.
• Vulnerability is a risk that can lead to deeper connections.
• Suffering can reveal our true selves and prompt authenticity.
• There are different levels of honesty in relationships.
• Curated authenticity is still a form of inauthenticity.
• We often create walls instead of healthy boundaries.
• Trust is essential for vulnerability in relationships.
• Sitting in discomfort together fosters genuine community.
• The cross exemplifies the beauty in messy, vulnerable moments. Vulnerability is essential for personal and communal growth.
• Connection with others is a pathway to healing.
• It's important to find safe spaces for openness.
• Koinonia fellowship is about heart-to-heart connections.
• Community dynamics can be navigated with intentionality.
• Unexpected friendships can form in surprising ways.
• Intentionality is key in building deeper connections.
• A culture of openness can transform a community.
• Leaders must model vulnerability to inspire others.
• Unlearning surface-level interactions is necessary for deeper relationships.

Find Tom’s new book here!

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.