Pearls are formed when an irritant or a sharp grain of sand gets inside an oyster shell. The same is true for us spiritually, the things that feel so painful to go through can actually be the catalyst to forming Pearls of Wisdom in our lives. Are we willing to step into other people's suffering and, alternatively, allow others into ours? How is the terrain of our heart? As we examine the parable of the sower we want to make sure we have good soil for the seed (the word of God) to grow. 

Books mentioned in this episode:

Through the Bible commentary series: Matthew by J.Vernon McGee 

The optimism of Grace by Cliff Sanders

Experience Jesus. Really. by John EldredgeArticle about Jim mentioned in the episode: https://www.heraldpalladium.com/news/longform/st-joseph-community-rallies-in-support-of-willard-on-als-journey/article_527e3922-f48f-521d-b844-6af0f00d12b3.html