How do we keep real connection—and real truth—when our views clash?

We live in echo chambers where even shared events feel like different realities. As followers of Jesus, how can we speak truth without severing friendships—or idolizing “unity” over Christ Himself?

Host Liza welcomes Pastor Tim for a candid, practical conversation on staying connected in a divided world. They name cultural forces (algorithms, postmodern self-truth) that make dialogue harder, then re-center on Jesus as the Truth and the One who forms a durable, resilient body. Unity, they argue, is the byproduct of pursuing Christ together—not the primary goal. A powerful story of two politically opposed church members who chose six weeks of Scripture and prayer illustrates how friendship can grow where polarization once lived.

Key Takeaways

• Start with Jesus, not “being unified.” Unity emerges as we move toward Christ together.
• Speak the truth in love—really. Love isn’t avoiding offense; it’s caring enough to say the hard thing with humility.
• Name the fears. Many of us avoid hard talks because we don’t trust the relationship’s durability.
• Resist echo chambers. Algorithms can make one event look like two realities; choose shared sources and Scripture.
• Pursue Scripture together. Opening the Bible side-by-side reframes “my truth vs. your truth” toward Jesus’ way.

Action Steps / Practical Applications

• ✅ Pick one person you often disagree with and invite them to read a Gospel together weekly for six weeks; pray before and after.
• ✅ Do a “truth & love” check before speaking: Is what I’m saying true? Is my posture loving?
• ✅ Name your fear out loud (“I’m worried this will hurt our friendship”) to lower defensiveness and build trust.
• ✅ Share a common reference point (Scripture, agreed facts) to prevent talking past each other.
• ✅ Limit algorithm drift this week: diversify news inputs and prioritize face-to-face conversations.

A raw conversation on faith, lament, and God’s presence in life’s hardest seasons

What do you do when life feels like it’s falling apart, and God feels a million miles away?

In this powerful episode of the Light + Life Podcast, Liza Cunningham sits down with Pastor Matt Holtzman from the Caring Ministry team to talk honestly about what it’s like to feel “ghosted by God.” From seasons of marriage tension to ministry fatigue, grief, and walking alongside friends in the valley of the shadow of death, Matt opens up about the fog that can settle over our faith and how to find our way back to God’s presence.

Together, Liza and Matt explore:

• Why lament is a biblical and essential form of prayer
• How honesty with God can draw you closer to Him
• The difference between what we know is true and what we feel in the moment
• How Psalm 139 and Romans 8 remind us that God never lets go
• What to do if you feel abandoned by God right now

If you’re in a season of loss, disappointment, or unanswered questions, or if you’re walking with someone who is. This conversation will remind you that God’s love shows up in the mess, and you are never alone.

✅ Tell God exactly how you feel—anger, doubt, grief, all of it
✅ Lean into the support of people who will hold you up
✅ Remember: Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus

How Faith, Entrepreneurship, and Partnership are Changing Lives
What happens when hope and practical help collide? In this episode of the Light + Life Podcast, Liza Cunningham sits down with Missions Pastor Ellen Dawson to unpack her recent trip to Guatemala, walking the streets of San Pablo and Patzún, partnering with ministries.
From motorcycle repair shops and crepe cafés to clean water projects and scholarships, Ellen shares how God is using local leaders to transform their communities and why short-term missions are about being before doing. You’ll hear:
•Vivid stories of young entrepreneurs building hope where they live
•How healthy mission partnerships grow through presence, not projects
•The joy and resilience of Guatemalan communities
•Why generosity isn’t just about money—it’s about time, prayer, and skills
•How returning home changes how we see migration, news, and our neighbors
Whether you’ve been on a mission trip or are curious about what real partnership looks like, this conversation will challenge your perspective and invite you to pray, give, or go in a way that honors God and others.
✅ Pray for one mission partner by name this week
✅ Look for a way to give—time, skill, or finances—to Kingdom work
✅ Learn the stories of the people behind the headlines