I interviewed my friend and hero Peter John Smyth ("PJ") who many of my connections will remember fondly as a passionate preacher and Christian leader. Among other things we spoke about his experience of blood cancer, and what it was like being the son of the man whose scandal led to the Archbishop of Canterbury resigning. This covers some of the same same territory as the recent See No Evil documentary. It is full of hope and will help trauma survivors as well as those who want to help them better, or learn the lessons of the past. Worth a watch for everyone. This is a conversation unlike any I’ve had before. 

Takeaways

The journey of self-publishing can be both challenging and rewarding.

Community support is crucial in times of trauma and healing.

Personal struggles often shape our ability to help others.

Vulnerability can foster deeper connections and understanding.

Shame can distort our identity and needs to be addressed.

The church must be trauma-aware and supportive of its members.

Professional help is essential for mental health and healing.

Shared experiences can provide powerful affirmation and support.

Forgiveness is a complex but necessary part of healing.

Looking forward with hope is vital for personal growth.

Chapters

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reminiscing

02:34 The Journey of Self-Publishing

05:45 The Early Days of Ministry

08:25 Transitioning Through Challenges

11:00 Facing Personal Trials

14:05 The Impact of Family Dynamics

16:46 The Role of Music in Healing

19:12 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects

21:42 The Revelation of Family Secrets

24:33 Navigating Public Scrutiny

26:57 The Church's Response to Crisis

29:56 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

34:09 The Four Pillars of Well-Being

37:02 The Power of Community and Service

38:10 Finding Healing Through Shared Experiences

41:29 The Role of Trauma in Personal Growth

44:19 The Journey of Healing and Helping Others

48:33 Understanding Shame and Identity

54:12 The Impact of Faith Amidst Suffering

57:33 Looking Forward: Hope and Purpose