Bare Faith

Life is messy, and faith can feel like an uphill battle. In this reflective episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs dives into the chasm between routine and true relationship with God. Many ask themselves, 'Is it too late?' after pouring years into what has turned into a joyless routine. Dr. Childs addresses the fear of disqualification—those nagging thoughts that whisper, 'Was my faith ever real?' She shares Wendell's poignant story of a man who has cycled through the motions of faithfulness for decades, only to face a sobering realization one fateful Tuesday night. He stood in his kitchen, staring at his hands—faithful and worn—but feeling hollow. With a voice barely recognizable, he uttered truths that shook his very foundation. The pain of wondering if he had merely performed for years without genuine connection becomes a powerful moment of honesty, echoing the struggles many of us face on our faith journey. Dr. Childs draws parallels to the older brother in Luke 15, who spent years working in the field yet felt perpetually disconnected from his father's love. As she unpacks the father’s tender response, the message becomes clear: true relationship is not built on a ledger of deeds but thrives in love and acceptance. This week, we confront the hard questions—whether it's the drifting hearts of the faithful or those stuck in an endless cycle of performance. Together, we explore the path of repentance and the call to return to our first love, validating the lived experiences of those who've wrestled with profound disconnection. This is an invitation to recognize that it’s never too late to restore that vital relationship, to step away from the fear of being just a hired hand, and to realize that we are intended to be beloved children. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

In this reflective journey, Dr. Gladys Childs confronts the subtle yet profound drift from genuine connection with God to a life dictated by the opinion of others. Through personal stories, especially that of Renee—a devoted leader and friend—the episode examines the emotional struggle of how faith can morph from love-driven practices into mere religious obligations. As Renee types and retypes a caring message for a friend in need, she realizes her prayers have turned into performances, leaving her feeling estranged from God. The narrative deepens as Dr. Childs discusses the three quiet shifts: how our audience changes, how the fuel of our faith transforms from love to duty, and how the systems we built to deepen our spirituality unintentionally replace the intimacy of our relationship with God. The episode draws parallels with Simon the Pharisee, whose encounter with Jesus illustrates how one can be physically present with the divine yet emotionally distant. As listeners are invited to reflect on their own spiritual journeys, Dr. Childs offers actionable steps to reconnect—finding unwatched moments, questioning one's motives, and breaking free from the scripted routine. It’s a heartfelt reminder that nobody drifts intentionally and a call to turn our faces back to the only one who matters—Jesus. Join Gladys as she navigates the complexities of faith, drawing listeners back into the arms of a relentless God, ensuring that we cease performing and begin truly connecting once again. 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.

Is this week getting a little hectic? Dr. Gladys Childs offers words of encouragement that will remind you we're here for a reason - and if we let it, these moments take our eyes off ourselves long enough to regroup. 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.

When we hear a message about living boldly, we picture something BIG - but that's not exactly what faith looks like. Small faithfulness doesn't trend, so we assume it doesn't count. Dr. Gladys Childs walks us through the recesses of our soul to help us shake loose of the lies we're holding on to in our emotional life. 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.

Podcast explores the experience of life feeling "off" or "unfinished," offering a perspective on how to navigate those periods when reality does not align with expectations.Understanding the "Ache"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 setbacks, mistakes, or losses make you feel like your story is over, it’s easy to lose hope. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs reminds you that God’s hand is still at work, and your next chapter is full of possibility and purpose.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.

Holding on to how life “should” be can keep you trapped in disappointment and frustration. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs shows you how releasing expectations opens the door for God’s peace, purpose, and unexpected blessings.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.

When life hands you pain, disappointment, or injustice, it’s easy to feel forgotten and overwhelmed. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs reminds you that God’s justice, love, and purpose are always at work—even when life feels unbearably unfair.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.

When the plans you’ve worked for and prayed over crumble, it can feel like God has abandoned you. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs encourages you to trust that even broken plans can lead to His perfect purpose and unexpected blessings.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 life strips away every familiar anchor, leaving you feeling empty and exhausted, hope can seem impossible. In this episode of Bare Faith, Dr. Gladys Childs reminds you that even in your emptiest moments, God’s presence is enough to restore, renew, and carry you forward.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.