St. Peter wasn’t polished. He was impulsive, prideful, bold, insecure — all in and all out.

He walked on water… and then sank. He swore loyalty… and then denied Jesus. He tried to protect Jesus with a sword… and later hid in fear.

And yet — Jesus loved him.

Not after he changed. Not after Pentecost. Not after becoming “the rock.”

Jesus loved Peter before any of his yes’s. Before discipleship. Before leadership. Before holiness.

In this episode, we talk about: • Peter’s impulsivity, pride, and boldness • False humility vs. true humility • Owning what you’re good at — and what you struggle with • Why your mess doesn’t disqualify you • Peter’s denial and Jesus meeting him exactly where he was • How Jesus sees beyond the identities we place on ourselves

The truth is this:

You are loved before you change. Before you grow. Before you fix it. Before you become who you think you “should” be.

And that kind of love is almost impossible for us to grasp — because human love doesn’t work like that.

But His does.

After reflecting on identity through King David and remembering who we are through Simba, we now turn to someone who never forgot.

John the Baptist knew who he was.

Before he ever preached, he leapt with joy in the womb at the presence of Jesus. Before the desert, before the crowds, before the prison — there was love. There was identity. There was trust.

In this episode, we explore:

• Radical trust in God’s plan • Obedience that looks uncomfortable but leads to joy • Friendship with Jesus rooted in humility • “He must increase, I must decrease” • And how to become comfortable with what once felt uncomfortable

John’s life wasn’t safe. It wasn’t popular. It wasn’t easy.

But it was full of joy.

Because radical trust changes everything.

If you’ve been wrestling with obedience, discomfort, or stepping into who God is calling you to be — this episode is for you.

After reflecting on the life of King David — chosen, flawed, and deeply loved — we continue the journey in an unexpected place: The Lion King.

What does a 1994 animated film have to do with Scripture?

More than we think.

In this episode, we explore the spiritual parallels between David and Simba — identity, exile, shame, calling, and the voice of the Father that never stops speaking.

Both David and Simba forget who they are.

Both must confront the lie.

Both must return.

And in both stories, identity was never lost — only forgotten.

This conversation prepares the way for what comes next in our series: John the Baptist and the courage to fully embrace who God says we are.

If you’ve been running… doubting… or living beneath your calling — this episode is a reminder:

You are still the King’s child.