“Perhaps it was Thomas who made the disciples face the reality of Jesus’ death and resurrection.”

In this special episode, I share a sermon that my mother, Rev. Sheryl E. L. Peterson preached back in April of 1985, in honor of the 30th anniversary of her passing on April 8th. I found this while going through some of her papers, and it felt like a nudge from the Holy Spirit that this was the sermon of hers I found - just a few days before most churches around the world would hear sermons on the same scripture passage - about Thomas touching the wounds of Christ.

In her message, my mother shares about Thomas’ deep faith and willingness to not look away from the pain and suffering Jesus went through. She invites us to consider what we are unwilling to touch, and call us to a faith that is active - one that reaches out, rather than shrinks away from the suffering of others. It’s a powerful reminder to not be afraid to touch.

Scripture: John 20:19-31, NRSVUE

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“There's nothing and nowhere where God won't go. God can handle the pain, the doubt, the disbelief—and naming it allows us to honor the space and the time.”

In “The Blessings of Small Steps,” Pastor Kelsey sits down with Reverend Kimberly Knowle-Zeller to explore how blessing the messiness of everyday life opens us to God’s presence, especially when hope feels scarce. Together, they discuss how simple practices can help us remember the sacred within our routines, and how blessing others (and ourselves) is an act of trust and courage in a hurting world.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Honest reflections about parenthood, pastoral care, and finding God in the mundane
• How the practice of writing blessings became a way forward during seasons of exhaustion and uncertainty
• The power and vulnerability of sending words out into the world—and letting them go
• Why naming pain and hardship aloud can reveal what is sacred, without bypassing what is real
• An original blessing from Reverend Kimberly Noel Zeller’s new book, Small Steps

About Kim

Reverend Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an author, pastor, and mother whose writing brings grace to life’s hardest, messiest corners. Her newest book, Small Steps: Blessings to Lift Your Soul on the Pilgrimage of Life, draws from her experience offering blessings at bedsides, in sanctuaries, and amid long nights as a mom. She writes for numerous faith publications and shares weekly reflections and blessings at Walk and Talk on Substack.

Show notes

• Preorder Small Steps: Blessings to Lift Your Soul on the Pilgrimage of Life
• Subscribe to Reverend Kim’s Substack: Walk and Talk

If you’re feeling weary, chaotic, or just longing for something real, this conversation is for you. Listen in for a quiet reminder that you are not alone—and that blessing can meet you right where you are.

Connect with us:

• Website: moveyourfaith.org
• Subscribe to our weekly devotional: Embody Faith
• Instagram: @pastorkelseyb and @faithinmotion.pod
• Support our ministry: moveyourfaith.org/give

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

- John 14:27

Lectio Divina is a spiritual practice that invites us to slow down, breathe, and spend a few quiet moments with God. Together, we’ll listen to scripture, reflect, and pray. You don’t need any prior experience or expertise; just a willingness to pause and listen for God’s love within and around you.

Connect with us:

Website: moveyourfaith.org
Subscribe to our weekly devotional: Embody Faith
Instagram: @faithinmotion.pod and @pastorkelseyb
Support our ministry: moveyourfaith.org/give