S9E10: Full Circle
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Being Known Podcast
A podcast hosted by Kurt Thompson, Pepper Swaney, and Amy Chella, focusing on the themes of faith, community, and the journey of being known. The podcast features discussions on various topics related to spiritual growth, personal development, and the challenges of living a life of faith in a complex world.
Kurt Thompson
A Christian author, speaker, and therapist known for his work on the topics of faith, suffering, and the human experience. He is the author of the book "The Deepest Place" and the founder of the Center for Being Known.
The Deepest Place
A book by Kurt Thompson that explores the nature of suffering and how it can lead to integration, wholeness, and hope. The book uses biblical stories and personal anecdotes to illustrate the journey of faith and the transformative power of God's love.
Center for Being Known
A non-profit organization founded by Kurt Thompson that provides resources and support for individuals seeking to deepen their faith and understanding of themselves. The organization offers various programs, including conferences, retreats, and online resources.
Connections Conference
An annual conference hosted by the Center for Being Known, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore themes of faith, community, and the journey of being known. The conference features speakers, workshops, and opportunities for connection and growth.
Jessica Honeger
A businesswoman, visionary, and philanthropist known for her commitment to using her business platform to help those who are underserved. She is the founder of the company "Noonday Collection" and a passionate advocate for social justice.
Sandra McCracken
A singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee, known for her beautiful and poignant music. Her songs often explore themes of faith, suffering, and the human experience. She is a gifted performer and poet, and her music has touched the hearts of many.
David Bailey
A friend of Kurt Thompson who lives in Richmond, Virginia, and has developed a ministry called "Aribon." This ministry emphasizes the role of worship in bringing people of great diversity together under the Lordship of Jesus. David is passionate about the power of worship to transform lives and build community.
Dan Alander
A friend of Kurt Thompson who is a psychologist and counselor. He is known for his work on the topics of storytelling, trauma, and healing. Dan believes that the way we tell our stories can both sustain and transform our trauma, and he helps individuals find new ways to tell their stories that lead to healing and growth.
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
Welcome to Being Known Podcast. This season we are discussing Curt's latest book, The Deepest Place as we carefully cover each chapter to deepen your understanding of suffering and the formation of hope.
We started this season on suffering with what necessarily must precede it if hope is what we want. And now that we are near the season’s conclusion, we find ourselves where we started.
Come hang out with us to discover how what we first thought would only be painful—our suffering—ultimately, because of Jesus and the way our brains and relationships are made to operate, leads to the joy that enables us to fearless encounter our suffering wherever it will emerge in our lives over the course of them. We can’t wait for you to be with us, and join us in all that God has in store.
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Episode Links and References
- The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope
- Connections Conference 2024 - Oct. 24-25, 2024
- Use code KNOWN to save $25 off conference registration!
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