Hi, friends! Things are going to be a little quiet around here for the next few weeks…

We’re going on a brief hiatus as we strategize and plan all new content for the fall, with a fun twist (hint, hint: You’ll be seeing a lot more of us!). Make sure your podcast notifications are turned on, and sign up for our newsletter here to stay in the know on our return.

In the meantime, kick back and catch up on any episodes you missed, and rest assured that there’s more grit and grace goodness in the works. We’ll be back before you know it!

Mentioned

• Catch up on all of our recent podcasts here during our summer intermission!
• Sign up for our newsletter, Grit + Grace Insider, here (scroll down until you reach the fields on the lower right-hand side on the page)

Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media!
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Are you sharing your story?

Countless studies have shown that there’s substantial value in sharing our stories and listening to others tell theirs. Among the biggest benefits? The release of oxytocin, a hormone and neurotransmitter that fosters trust and bonding. Vulnerably discussing our joys and woes, our challenges and triumphs, our embarrassments and achievements, has the power to elicit empathy in recognizing how our stories overlap. We glean wisdom, or at the very least, the comfort of knowing we aren’t alone in facing certain experiences.

This week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack why your story matters. What use are our experiences and hard-earned life lessons if they never make it outside the walls of our hearts? Consider how your own life has been impacted by your mother’s stories, perhaps, or a close friend’s. They also dive deep into the lives of two biblical women, whose actions challenged the culture of their time and whose stories stand as an example of the power of learning from others who came before us and walk alongside us now.

Quote of the episode:

“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

Mentioned

• Catch up on all of our recent podcasts here during our summer intermission!
• Sign up for our newsletter, Grit + Grace Insider, here (scroll down until you reach the fields on the lower right-hand side on the page)
• We want to hear your story! Email us at info@thegritandgraceproject.org

Related
Want more on this topic? Check out these articles and podcasts:

• “Who Will Tell Your Story, and What Will They Say?”
• “I Found Freedom After Sharing My Painful Story”
• “3 Reasons You Should Share Your Story”

Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media!
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#gritandgracelife

If your knowledge of how Independence Day came to be is a little fuzzy, settle in for a brief history lesson!

In this podcast episode, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender recount America’s origin story, starting with Great Britain’s imposition of taxes and military presence in the colonies. You’ll discover how the Declaration of Independence came to be and why it’s significant (see the related resources section below for more), as well as our duty as women of faith (and Americans) to not only recognize our nation’s flaws and failures but to correct them.

For the little ones or fun-loving folks in your family, Darlene and Julie share 10 fresh ways to celebrate the holiday. We’re not talking about BBQs—have you ever tried watermelon bowling or hosting a 1776 party? Sign us up!

Quote of the episode:

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36).

Mentioned

• Learn how to set up an outdoor movie theater here
• Want to send a care package to a military service member? USPS removes the guesswork with its Military Care Kit—the kit is free and includes 6 boxes, address labels, envelopes and priority mail tape.

Related
Want more on this topic? Check out these articles and podcasts:

• “The Beauty of the Declaration of Independence”

• “How Can We Teach our Kids the True Meaning of Freedom? with Brooke Raybould – 199”

Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media!
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
#gritandgracelife