Episode 233: Look up!

About this episode

This episode reflects on Stephen's courage before the Sanhedrin and the importance of recognizing Christ's presence in our lives amidst suffering and fear.

In this episode, we enter the dramatic story of Stephen standing before the Sanhedrin in Acts 7—a young man with no power, no protection, and yet a vision strong enough to face violence without surrendering to fear. Drawing on both Scripture and stories from the Black experience in the Jim Crow South, this sermon reflects on what it means to “lift our eyes” in a world constantly demanding our attention, outrage, and anxiety. Stephen’s final witness becomes an invitation for all of us: not to deny suffering or pretend the world is safe, but to keep looking for Christ standing beside us—in moments of courage, mercy, companionship, and grace. As confirmation students prepare to affirm their faith, we pray for “Stephen’s eyes”: eyes able to recognize the presence of Jesus in ordinary life, and hearts strengthened to keep witnessing to love, hope, and mercy no matter what comes.

People in this episode

Host: Alix Pridgen

Topics covered

• faith
• courage
• mercy
• presence of Christ
• overcoming fear
• spiritual vision

Keywords

• Stephen
• Sanhedrin
• Jim Crow South
• faith
• courage
• mercy
• presence of Christ
• spiritual vision

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sanhedrin

Places: Jim Crow South

More episodes of Alix Pridgen

• Episode 237: Where Mercy Meets Us · June 7, 2026 · 8 min
• Episode 236: From Fear to Fire · May 25, 2026 · 12 min
• Episode 235: Waiting for Wisdom · May 22, 2026 · 12 min
• Episode 234: God's Spirit Abides · May 10, 2026 · 11 min
• Episode 232: When Faith Falls Apart · April 20, 2026
• Episode 231: Going to Galilee · April 8, 2026 · 13 min