The Hope Podcast with Lina Abujamra

Uncomfortable Conversations #7: with Sheila Wise Rowe

It’s not easy to talk about racism, but hope and healing spring up when we are willing to listen, learn, get uncomfortable, and become better equipped to take steps towards reconciliation. Don’t miss the interview with my guest today – writer, counselor, spiritual director, and speaker Sheila Wise Rowe, who for over twenty-five years has counseled and guided people toward healing from racial trauma.

Uncomfortable Conversations #6 – with Chief Ana Lalley and Latoya Conners Gray

How can the tensions between the police force and black individuals be resolved? What challenges do police officers face after recent events and protests? Can hope be re-instilled into the black community when it comes to justice, fairness, protection, or opportunities? – These are just some of the tough questions my guests, Chief Ana Lalley of Elgin Police Department and Latoya Conners Gray, will address on today’s podcast.

Uncomfortable Conversations about Racism in the Church #5: With Dorena Williamson

Many of us avoid and struggle with conversations about race because they make us feel uncomfortable. But as followers of Jesus we’ve been invited to step up and be a powerful witness to a world that needs to see our love and our oneness as a reflection of the power of the gospel.
My guest today is a longtime racial bridge builder, speaker and author, Dorena Williamson, and she will help us get a biblical understanding of how to love and lead multicultural communities.

Uncomfortable Conversations About Racism In The Church #4: With Dr. Carl E. Lambert, Jr.

As followers of Jesus we have a biblical duty to lead the world in reconciliation and love. To be able do so we need to be willing to engage in tough conversations, ask difficult questions, recognize our blind spots, decenter ourselves, actively seek to raise our consciousness about racism and take action when we see injustices being done.
My guest today, Dr. Carl Lambert, Jr., will help us navigate some difficult topics in the conversation about racism in the church, and encourage us in our pursuit of racial reconciliation and justice.

Uncomfortable Conversations About Racism In The Church #3: With Reggie Kee

On today’s “Uncomfortable Conversation” my guest Reggie Kee will share about his experience with racism and help us get a better understanding about the challenges that our black brothers and sisters are facing. Together we’ll address some difficult topics like systemic racism, who’s supposed to do the work of reconciliation, microaggressions, how to find hope in the midst of racial tensions in the church, and more.

Uncomfortable Conversations About Racism In The Church #2: With Taija Sparkman

Today’s “Uncomfortable Conversation” will shed some light on offensive things white people say or do without knowing they are offensive, as well as offer suggestions about practical things we can do to communicate and love our black brothers and sisters better.   
My guest: Taija Sparkman

Uncomfortable Conversations About Racism In The Church #1: With Kathryn Freeman

I’m launching a new podcast series that I’ve called Uncomfortable Conversations About Racism In The Church. If there’s ever been a time for the church to lean in and learn from our black brothers and sisters, it’s now. I believe this conversations will help us learn how to be a tool in God’s redeeming work in doing justice and racial reconciliation here on earth. My guest today: Kathryn Freeman 

Leadership #20: Five lessons I’ve learned as a woman in ministry

We’re coming to the end of the leadership edition of The Hope Podcast! As the grand finale of this leadership series I wanted you to listen to a sermon I gave not long ago to women leaders based on Elijah's story from 1 Kings 19. I believe this episode will be both instructive and convicting.