Digest

This episode of the Being Known Podcast features Kurt Thompson, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. He shares his experience of dealing with the physical limitations and the emotional challenges of recovery. Kurt reflects on how this experience has revealed his tendency to be impatient and irritable, and how he's working to restrain these impulses. He emphasizes the importance of community and the role of suffering in our spiritual growth. The episode also discusses the concept of "full circle" from the book "The Deepest Place" by Kurt Thompson, exploring how suffering can lead to integration, wholeness, and hope. The episode concludes with an announcement about the Center for Being Known Connections Conference 2024, featuring speakers like Jessica Honeger, Sandra McCracken, David Bailey, and Dan Alander. The conference will be held on October 24th and 25th in Fairfax, Virginia, and listeners can use the code "known" for a $25 discount on tickets.

Outlines

00:00:00

Kurt's Shoulder Surgery and Recovery

This Chapter begins with Kurt Thompson sharing his recent shoulder surgery and the recovery process. He describes the physical limitations he's facing, including the inability to tie his shoes, and the emotional challenges of dealing with the pain and discomfort. He also reflects on how this experience has revealed his tendency to be impatient and irritable, and how he's working to restrain these impulses.

00:08:12

Full Circle: The Journey of Faith and Suffering

This Chapter delves into the concept of "full circle" from the book "The Deepest Place" by Kurt Thompson. It explores how suffering can lead to integration, wholeness, and hope. The chapter highlights the importance of community and the role of suffering in our spiritual growth. It emphasizes that suffering is not something to be avoided but rather an opportunity for growth and transformation.

00:17:10

Center for Being Known Connections Conference 2024

This Chapter announces the Center for Being Known Connections Conference 2024, with the theme "Imagination to Incarnation." The conference will be a two-day event, both live in-person and virtual, featuring an amazing lineup of speakers, including Jessica Honeger, Sandra McCracken, David Bailey, and Dan Alander. The episode also provides details about the conference date, location, and ticket information.

00:20:43

Suffering and the Narrow Path

This Chapter continues the discussion on suffering, emphasizing that following Jesus often requires giving up things that are easy for us. Kurt uses the analogy of cycling and orange theory workouts to illustrate the concept of suffering as a necessary part of growth and transformation. He highlights the importance of community in supporting us through these challenges and how being on the path with others can make a significant difference.

00:24:04

Love, Intimacy, and the Risk of Being Known

This Chapter explores the complexities of love and intimacy, particularly in the context of suffering. It discusses how our past trauma can make us hesitant to embrace intimacy, even though we deeply desire it. The chapter emphasizes the courage it takes to stay in the game long enough to allow ourselves to be loved by someone else.

00:28:55

The Healing Power of Jesus' Presence

This Chapter concludes the discussion on suffering and hope, emphasizing that the healing we long for may take our entire lifetime and beyond. It highlights that Jesus' presence is the ultimate source of healing, and that sometimes our pain itself is not eliminated. The chapter encourages listeners to embrace the process of suffering and to trust in God's love and grace.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main topic of this episode of the Being Known Podcast?

  This episode focuses on Kurt Thompson's personal experience with shoulder surgery and recovery, and how this experience has led him to reflect on the nature of suffering and the importance of community. The episode also delves into the concept of "full circle" from the book "The Deepest Place" by Kurt Thompson, exploring how suffering can lead to integration, wholeness, and hope.

• What are some of the key takeaways from Kurt's experience with shoulder surgery?

  Kurt's experience highlights the challenges of dealing with physical limitations and the emotional toll of pain and discomfort. It also reveals his tendency to be impatient and irritable, and how he's working to restrain these impulses. He emphasizes the importance of community and the role of suffering in our spiritual growth.

• What is the concept of "full circle" as discussed in this episode?

  The concept of "full circle" refers to the journey of faith and suffering, where suffering can lead to integration, wholeness, and hope. It emphasizes that suffering is not something to be avoided but rather an opportunity for growth and transformation. This journey begins with glory, moves through suffering, perseverance, character, and hope, and ultimately returns to glory.

• What is the Center for Being Known Connections Conference 2024?

  The Center for Being Known Connections Conference 2024 is a two-day event, both live in-person and virtual, featuring speakers, workshops, and opportunities for connection and growth. The theme of the conference is "Imagination to Incarnation." The conference will be held on October 24th and 25th in Fairfax, Virginia.

• Who are some of the speakers at the Connections Conference?

  The Connections Conference will feature speakers like Jessica Honeger, Sandra McCracken, David Bailey, and Dan Alander. These speakers are all experts in their respective fields and bring unique perspectives on faith, community, and the journey of being known.

• What is the significance of community in the context of suffering?

  Community plays a crucial role in supporting us through suffering. It provides a sense of belonging, encouragement, and accountability. Being on the path with others can make a significant difference in our ability to persevere through challenges and find hope.

• How does the episode address the issue of people leaving relationships?

  The episode acknowledges that sometimes people leave relationships because they feel overwhelmed by the intensity of love and the challenges of being known. It emphasizes that these departures are not necessarily a sign of weakness or failure, but rather a reflection of the complexities of human relationships and the need for self-preservation.

• What is the ultimate source of healing according to the episode?

  The episode emphasizes that Jesus' presence is the ultimate source of healing. It acknowledges that sometimes our pain itself is not eliminated, but Jesus' presence offers us hope, grace, and the strength to persevere through suffering.

• What is the takeaway message of the episode?

  The episode encourages listeners to embrace the process of suffering and to trust in God's love and grace. It emphasizes that suffering is not something to be avoided but rather an opportunity for growth and transformation. It also highlights the importance of community and the transformative power of Jesus' presence.

Show Notes