Send us a Message

Ever felt the pressure to paste on a smile when your heart is heavy? We dive straight into the paradox of positivity—how hope can heal, and how “forced cheerfulness” can quietly wound people who need space to lament, confess, and be seen. From Scripture’s witness to Jesus weeping to the everyday contradictions we all recognise in church car parks, we explore how a culture of performance forms and how to replace it with presence.

We talk through the inputs that shape the soul—prayer, community, and Scripture—and why curating what we “feed” ourselves matters. But we also name the cost when churches discourage vulnerability: mental health takes a hit, seekers sense the façade, and those carrying grief or doubt learn to hide. You’ll hear real stories: a city pausing to reunite a lost child with her parent, a sanctuary embracing a disruptive, hurting man instead of removing him, and the quiet power of a warm blanket offered without judgement. These moments reveal what healthy positivity looks like—joy rooted in truth, not image.

Together we map practical steps for a wounded church to heal: widen the emotional range of worship with real lament and confession; rebuild trust through neighbourliness and shared burdens; model leadership that admits limits; and reframe hope in the light of the resurrection, where tears and praise can share the same pew. If you’ve ever longed for church to feel less like a courtroom and more like a hospital, this conversation will give language, courage, and next steps.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs honest hope, and leave a review so more people can find these conversations.

Support the show

www.acornchristian.org

Follow us on Instagram!

Follow us on Facebook!