Episode 10.
Being a committed Evangelical Christian means living by example every day, not just on Sunday morning at her non-denominational church. Deana seeks to live the biblical precepts and inspire curiosity through example. As a life-long Christian with beliefs on the conservative side, having word and deed be shaped by scripture is what she’s always known.
Her surety of belief provides a basis for interaction with people following other paths. She welcomes the conversation and questions, as they either confirm her beliefs or prompt re-evaluation.
Thoughtful guidance shows up in her podcast and her work with blended families, where the ‘inside’ blood relatives and ‘outside’ step people gradually find their places and become one family. This takes time and dedication, but the parts do blend into one family.
Highlights of episode:
· What it means to her to be a non-denominational evangelical Christian.
· Living by example every day, not just on Sunday morning.
· Challenges of parenting a blended family. It takes time and effort.
· Moving towards marriage intentionally, guided by biblical precepts.
· The value, and challenge, of taking time to listen, be quiet and be present.
· How faith is woven into her professional life – comfort in Christian settings and growth through sensitivity in mixed settings.
· How to have civil dialogue across difference – listen and learn.
· Having steadfast faith yet being open to others. Confidence allows for questions.
Quotes:
“There's a cliché that you're the only sermon that some people will ever hear, or you're the only Bible some people will ever read. And so I really want to convey that with my life more, and then be invited into the conversation.”
“I really like to let my life do the talking whenever possible.”
“It's been great living out my faith in a capacity where it's super comfortable and I'm surrounded by it, but also living it out in a place where I do have to be more careful and gentle.”
“So what I'm hearing Deana, is that what supports openness and connection with people who are different is a willingness to listen and learn.”
Reference:
See episode #5. Cathy Sirvatka – Faith in Jesus, for the alternate description of being evangelical that is referenced in this episode.
Social Media links for Deana:
Future Focused Parenting website – https://futurefocusedparenting.com
Facebook and Instagram – @futurefocusedparenting
Social Media links for Méli:
Email – info@talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
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The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.
Comments? Questions? Email Meli at:
info@talkingwithgodproject.org
The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
