Thanks for reading Brandon’s Substack - Why It Matters! This post is public so feel free to share it.

In this episode of Why It Matters, I dive into The Imitation of Christ, Book 1, Chapter 3, exploring what it really means to have freedom and peace of mind. I reflect on how conquering our undisciplined affections—the desires and passions that pull us in every direction—is essential for spiritual simplicity and inner peace. Drawing from Scripture, Thomas à Kempis, and the wisdom of St. Paul, I talk about the lifelong challenge of mastering ourselves through grace and prudence. Ultimately, I share how true peace comes not from the world, but from the freedom we find when our hearts are fixed on God alone.

Brandon’s Substack - Why It Matters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Brandon’s Substack - Why It Matters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this week’s episode of Why It Matters, I talk about what it means to simplify our faith so that we can focus completely on Christ. Drawing from The Imitation of Christ and the words of St. Paul, I share some simple daily practices—like prayer, Scripture reading, and small acts of mercy—that help us grow closer to God. I also reflect on how our ordinary roles and daily struggles can become offerings to the Lord when done for His glory. My hope is that this episode helps you find peace, clarity, and a renewed focus in your walk with Christ.

Thanks for reading Brandon’s Substack - Why It Matters! This post is public so feel free to share it.

In this episode of Why It Matters, I explore the call to simplify the inner life. Drawing from Thomas á Kempis’ Imitation of Christ and the wisdom of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, we’ll look at how true peace and freedom come through small acts of love, self-discipline, and living for God’s glory. Together, we’ll consider how to cut through spiritual distractions and embrace a faith that is simple, steadfast, and strong.

In this episode of Why It Matters, I dive into the Imitation of Christ and explore what it means for creation to speak with the one voice of its Creator. We’ll look at how God’s revelation is free from guesswork, why true understanding can only come from Him, and how false ideas like pantheism distort our view of creation and worship. If you’ve ever felt weary from the noise of the world, this is an invitation to listen again to the clear and life-giving voice of God.

In this episode of Why It Matters, I talk about the questions that truly matter in our lives and how easily we forget them. Drawing from The Imitation of Christ, Scripture, and Jesus’ teaching on worry, I share how we often trade the eternal for the trivial and let anxiety dominate our minds. Together, we’ll explore how to refocus on mercy, justice, prayer, and the love of God so that we can live with peace and purpose. Join me as we set aside distractions and keep our eyes fixed on what matters most

As always, if you enjoyed this post, please comment, like, and share this post with others.

Did you know I wrote a book? Find it here (exclusively on Amazon).

Brandon’s Substack - Why It Matters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of Why It Matters, I dig into chapter 3 of The Imitation of Christ and explore what it means to pursue truth instead of getting lost in opinions and distractions. I reflect on how easily we let side issues—like arguments, politics, or worries—blind us to the things that really matter: mercy, justice, and living out Christ’s love. Together, we’ll look at how focusing on God’s truth can free us from anxiety and help us live faithfully each day.

If this encourages you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more reflections.

Brandon’s Substack - Why It Matters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

“Stop comparing, start living — discover why being ‘better than no one’ might be the most freeing truth of all.”

How do we view ourselves in light of others? Too many play the comparison game and despair at the differences between them and others. Some play the comparison game and think they are better than others. What Jesus is calling us to do is neither of these options. "Claim nothing for yourself and let go."

In this episode, I reflect on comparison and self-worth, reminding myself that my value isn’t defined by measuring against others. I share how chasing superiority has often left me insecure, while recognizing my inherent dignity brings freedom. Through personal insights and spiritual grounding, I affirm that I am “better than no one, less than no one.” Ultimately, I invite listeners to join me in embracing humility, confidence, and peace in knowing our true worth.

As Thomas á Kempis says, "If you want to learn an art worth knowing, you must set out to be unknown, and to count for nothing." In this episode we discuss knowledge, our limits, the desire to be known and how to handle it all.