In this powerful episode, Ellen Corcella explores the concept of resilience through the extraordinary life of Congressman John Lewis. Drawing from the Latin root resiliere ("to leap back"), she examines how faith can be the foundation for bouncing back from life's most challenging circumstances and achieving our goals. Through Lewis's example of getting back up after every beating, arrest, and setback during the Civil Rights Movement, listeners discover practical ways to build resilience in their lives.

Key Topics Covered

• The Etymology of Resilience: Understanding resiliere - "to leap back"
• John Lewis's Faith-Fueled Resilience: From sharecropper's son to Civil Rights icon
• Bloody Sunday (March 7, 1965): Lewis's remarkable courage at the edge of Edmund Pettus Bridge
• Core Faith Beliefs That Build Resilience:
  • God's unconditional love
  • The divine spark in everyone
  • Hope as eternal possibility
  • The Beloved Community vision
• Seven Keys to Building Resilience:

1. Worldview and transcendence
2. Feeling loved and secure
3. Meaning and purpose
4. Flexibility
5. Discipline and taking care of basics
6. Planning for the future
7. Seeking support

Scripture Referenced

Romans 5:1-5 - Paul's teaching on how suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope

Find "Walk with Me: A Journey through the Landscape of Trauma" by Ellen Corcella

Purchase Options:

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/walk_with_me_ellen_corcella
• BookBaby: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/walk-with-me2

Connect with Ellen Corcella

• Website: www.ellencorcella.com
• Sign up for the Faith & Resilience Newsletter
• Visit for support resources on grief, PTSD, suicide, and loss
• Email: Chaplain_Ellen@ellencorcella.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ellencorcella
• Support Resources: ellencorcella.com/help-ptsd-grief-trauma-suicide

Upcoming Events

Wild Goose Festival Workshop

• Event: "Resilient Faith" workshop with Ellen Corcella
• Dates: August 28-31, 2025
• Website: wildgoosefestival.org/convo-hall-2022-Resilient Faith Workshop
• Special Offer: Use Ambassador Code A-EC for $50 off Adult Weekend Tickets

Resources & Links

John Lewis Resources

• "How the images of John Lewis being beaten during 'Bloody Sunday' went viral" - The Conversation
• "John Lewis: Love in Action" - On Being Podcast with Krista Tippett (2013)
• National Archives: John Lewis - March from Selma to Montgomery

Additional Resources

• Julia Cameron's tools for creativity and "The Artist's Way": juliacameronlive.com

How You Can Help

• Like this episode
• Subscribe to the Faith & Resilience Podcast
• Share with others who might benefit from this message
• Leave a review to help expand our community of resilient faith

Closing Thought

"We must never give up. We must never give in. We must never give out. We must keep the faith and keep our eyes on the prize." - John Lewis

Remember: You have within you the capacity to get back up. Your faith can be the foundation that helps you leap back, again and again, into the fullness of life God intends for you.