Bare Faith

Life can feel chaotic, and in moments of despair, it’s easy to question whether God truly sees us. Dr. Gladys Childs opens up about the hidden toll of merely going through the motions in faith—drawing from her own story and connecting it to biblical truths. She invites listeners to engage in honest accountability regarding the emotional and spiritual losses they've endured. What have we sacrificed in our pursuit of faithfulness? Is it the Sunday mornings devoid of meaning? The lessons passed down to our children that turn faith into performance? Dr. Childs poignantly reveals how our well-intentioned commitments can lead to a quiet yet profound disconnect from genuine heart-felt faith. Through reflections on personal experiences, including her time in children's ministry, she emphasizes that grief unacknowledged can turn into deep-seated resentment. This episode is an opportunity to confront the costs of a faith routine, prompting listeners to shed light on the ache that often remains unnamed. Dr. Childs draws parallels to the story of the Prodigal Son, revealing that even those who appear faithful may be wrestling with their own disillusionment. As she recounts a pivotal Easter Sunday moment—a painful reminder of being unfulfilled in a role she took on under pressure—the discussion opens the door to recognizing our own struggles. Each listener is challenged to sit with their own loss, to count the costs, and to acknowledge the truths hidden beneath the surface. This steady unveiling lays bare how, despite fulfilling our obligations for years, we may find ourselves emotionally and spiritually drained. With honesty, Dr. Childs underscores the reality that many have built facades out of exhaustion, revealing a heart that has distanced itself from God while maintaining appearances. Join her in exploring how these hidden costs can impact our relationships and faith journeys. This week offers a poignant invitation to name these losses, to reflect intentionally on the ache, and to understand that it’s never too late to reclaim our voice of authenticity in the presence of God. The hope lies in realizing that Jesus sees our pain and offers us the grace to embrace it. Reflect and stay in the moment with Him, as Dr. Childs reminds us that the path to healing begins with honesty about the price we've paid. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Life gets messy, and faith can feel more like a chore than a connection. Dr. Gladys Childs delves into the unsettling experience of faith that feels mechanical and disconnected from genuine belief. Reflecting on the struggles many face, she reveals the quiet despair of doing all the right things—attending church, reading the Bible, and praying—yet feeling utterly empty inside. This episode introduces Marcus, a devoted deacon whose ritualistic approach to faith has left him numb. Leaving behind a vibrant past of fervent belief, he finds himself merely going through the motions, existing in a world where others see his faith as steadfast, but inside, he's unraveling. When a simple question from a coworker leaves him speechless, he confronts the uncomfortable reality of his faith’s transformation. Dr. Childs also uncovers the story of Martha, who desperately tries to serve Jesus while feeling unseen, openly voicing the feelings many suppress: 'Lord, do you not care?' Martha’s struggle sheds light on the deep disconnect between routine service and genuine warmth, proving that even those dedicated to faith can feel lost amidst their efforts. This poignant exploration invites listeners to sit with their own feelings of numbness, challenging them to reflect on what faith truly means beyond performance. With an honest tone and a blend of storytelling and scripture, Dr. Childs compels us to consider our relationship with God and recognize the risks of merely maintaining the appearance of faith without its essence. By bravely addressing these themes, we embark on a journey of rediscovery, ultimately asking: What happens when you realize your faith has become routine? Through compassionate storytelling and profound insight, today’s episode isn’t just an invitation to connect; it’s a call to rekindle what we often forget about our relationship with God.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joy comes, but the text does not tell us when the night ends. Can we live as a whole person while it's still dark? Dr. Gladys Childs walks us through this challenging time in our lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The experience of living with "the unfinished" is a central theme in the lives of many, characterized by deep pain, unmet expectations, and the feeling that God may not be present. Rather than treating this "stretched-out middle" as a temporary waiting room or a pause in life, it should be recognized as a territory for meaningful growth and real-world investment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Embracing The Mess I Can't Control," addresses the struggle of trying to maintain a stable, predictable life through faith when facing chaotic, uncontrollable situations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When storms rage and uncertainty surrounds you, it’s easy for faith to feel fragile. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs explores how steadfast faith can anchor your soul and carry you through life’s fiercest challenges.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes our hearts carry wounds that never fully disappear, leaving us feeling fragile and incomplete. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs explores how God meets us in our brokenness, bringing wholeness, hope, and the courage to keep moving forward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes faith feels like a waiting room—full of uncertainty, questions, and quiet longing. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs encourages you to trust God’s timing, showing how patience and hope can grow even in the in-between moments.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joy often shows up in the most unexpected moments, catching us by surprise when we least expect it. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs celebrates the ways God quietly fills our hearts with delight, even in the middle of life’s challenges.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When fear, pain, or past mistakes make you want to run, it can feel like God is just out of reach. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs shows you that even when you flee, God’s love pursues you relentlessly, ready to meet you exactly where you are.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When betrayal cuts deep, it can shake your trust in others—and even in God’s plan for your life. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs guides you toward healing, reminding you that God can redeem even the deepest wounds and restore what was broken.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When shame whispers that you’re not enough and unworthy of love, it can cloud how you see yourself—and even how you see God. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs gently leads you back to the truth that you are fully known, fully forgiven, and deeply chosen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some of the hardest battles are the ones you fight quietly, behind a smile no one questions. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs reminds you that God sees every hidden struggle and meets you with strength, comfort, and unwavering love.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.