What if silence is not the absence of God—but the place where you finally meet Him?

In this Lessons From Living episode, Rich Lewis, author of Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self Through Centering Prayer, shares how contemplative prayer became one of the most life-giving and identity-shaping practices of his spiritual journey.

Rich explains what centering prayer is, exactly how it is practiced, and why letting go—rather than striving—can lead to deep healing and transformation. We talk about discovering your “true self,” carving out time for prayer in a busy world, and using journaling alongside contemplative prayer to process what surfaces in silence.

This conversation also addresses common struggles with centering prayer, seasons of spiritual dryness and doubt, and why contemplative prayer is theologically sound. Rich shares how this ancient practice can be done in community, why silence is undervalued in modern culture, and the surprising “side effects” of a prayer life rooted in stillness.

If you’re longing for a deeper relationship with God, curious about contemplative prayer, or feeling spiritually weary, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and a grounded invitation to sit with God—and be changed.

Show Notes:

Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self with Centering Prayer, Rich Lewis

Healing the Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots, Amos Smith

https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/

https://silenceteaches.com/

In this insightful episode of Lessons From Living, we explore the growing frustration among young Americans and their evolving views on socialism. We discuss the challenges they face, from soaring housing costs to predatory college debts, and how these experiences prompt a desire for fairness and relief. Delving into the misconceptions around socialism, we clarify that the call for change is not about government ownership but about seeking pathways to affordable healthcare, education, and meaningful work. We also examine successful models like the Scandinavian approach to social welfare, emphasizing that real solutions require both responsibility and autonomy. Join us for a candid conversation on how to build systems that empower young people, foster true growth, ensure their voices and aspirations are understood and addressed, and freedom is preserved.

In this powerful episode of Lessons From Living, Caleb David shares his remarkable journey from a childhood marked by spiritual abuse, violence, and a narcissistic father to becoming a compassionate leader dedicated to service. Caleb opens up about witnessing his mother being beaten, how his early spiritual formation was distorted by an abusive pastor-father, and the long path toward healing and reclaiming his faith.

We explore how he broke free from the example he was shown, building resilience through business failure, the collapse of a marriage, and the deep work required to recover a healthy sense of identity. Caleb discusses why providing stability for his adopted Ethiopian children matters, how he rebuilt his understanding of God, and what motivates his lifelong commitment to service-oriented work.

This conversation dives into:

• Overcoming childhood trauma and spiritual abuse
• Breaking generational patterns and choosing compassion
• Recovering from business and relationship failure
• Rehabilitating a damaged faith relationship
• The importance of stable community for children
• Why a service mindset thrives in both nonprofit and private sectors
• Encouraging others to give back—even when they doubt their value

If you’re looking for a story of resilience, purpose, and the redemptive power of service, this episode will stay with you long after listening.

Join Beth as she reflects on her recent travels through Italy and the timeless lessons this vibrant country offers. From Italy’s deep sense of community and love for family to the importance of taking pride in how we present ourselves, Beth explores what makes Italian life so rich and meaningful. She also touches on some of the social and economic challenges Italy faces today — and how mutual inspiration between nations keeps hope and creativity alive.

Caregiving can change everything—your relationships, your health, your sense of self. In this Lessons From Living episode, writer and former ICU nurse Tracy Crump shares her journey through years of caregiving, having cared for four close family members. We talk about the emotional drain caregivers face, making tough medical and family decisions, handling guilt, caring for difficult patients, and rebuilding life afterward. Tracy offers practical insights and hope for anyone walking the caregiving road. From advocating through the healthcare system to practicing self-care and finding healing after loss, this Lessons From Living episode offers compassion and insight for every caregiver’s journey.

Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness, Tracy Crump

Tracy Crump.com

Instagram: TracyCrumpWrites

In this heartfelt episode of 'Lessons From Living,' Beth sits down with her husband, Richard, to explore their journey of raising six children, running a business for 25 years, and his inspiring transition into leadership coaching. Join them as they share valuable lessons from family life, business challenges, and the power of leadership growth. Bonus: listen til the end to hear two family legends that the Graham's still laugh about today.

After interviewing more than sixty guests on Lessons From Living, Beth finally answers the signature question: What’s your greatest life lesson? The answer is simple yet powerful—loving each other well makes every life better.

In this heartfelt solo episode, you’ll hear why love is not just sentimental, but the most practical truth for healing our divided world. From politics and social media to families, communities, and everyday interactions, every breakdown is at its core a breakdown of love. But love also has the power to restore dignity, bridge divides, and bring peace where there is conflict.

You’ll discover practical ways to live out love—whether through small acts of kindness, listening in conflict, modeling compassion in your family, or choosing encouragement over criticism online. With real-life stories and timeless wisdom (including a reminder from Mother Teresa), this episode challenges us to live as if we truly belong to each other.

👉 If you’ve ever wondered how to make your life—and the world around you—better, start here: choose love.

Do you ever feel stuck, wondering if your life still has meaning? Maybe your kids are grown, you’ve retired, or you’re simply asking, “Is this all there is?” You’re not alone.

In this uplifting episode of Lessons From Living, Beth shares how true purpose isn’t found in success, productivity, or comfort—it’s found in giving. Drawing from personal stories of family foster care, serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, and creating this very podcast, you’ll see how seasons of service have brought Beth her deepest sense of fulfillment.

If you’ve ever wrestled with purposelessness or longed to live a life of significance, this conversation will encourage you to see purpose not as something to stumble upon, but something you build—through love, sacrifice, and service.

👉 Tune in to learn how you can find meaning in every stage of life and embrace the joy of living with purpose.