This week is monumental for us as we celebrate the 1000th episode of the Pure Sex Radio podcast. It’s hard to believe we’ve reached this milestone, and we're thrilled to share this moment with you.
Reflecting on Our Journey
For those who are newer to our show, let’s take a moment to reflect on how it all began. We launched this program back in 2005 (on radio, since podcasts weren't really a "thing" yet), and since then, we’ve completed 20 seasons and are currently in our 21st season. It’s been quite a journey!
The Pleaser and the Freedom of Acceptance
In our discussion, Stephen shared how he often finds himself grappling with the desire to be liked and accepted. There’s a tendency to manipulate situations to ensure that others enjoy his company, which can be exhausting. Recently, he had a breakthrough moment when he realized that he could give others permission to not like him. This thought was liberating. It allowed him to step back from the need for approval and embrace the idea that his worth is not contingent on others' opinions.
This shift in perspective reframes expectations in social encounters. Instead of approaching interactions with the anxiety of needing to please, Stephen can now enter them with a sense of freedom. If someone doesn’t like him, that’s okay. He has given them permission to feel that way, and it doesn’t diminish his value. This realization has helped him park his "pleaser" mentality and just be himself.
Critics vs. Warriors
As we navigate life, we encounter critics—those who sit in the bleachers and comment on our struggles without ever stepping into the arena themselves. Brené Brown’s wisdom resonates here; she emphasizes that we should not listen to critics who haven’t faced their own battles. True warriors are those who have endured hardships and emerged with scars, and they have valuable insights to share.
We have come to embrace our battle scars as badges of honor. They signify growth and resilience. When critics voice their opinions, we remind ourselves that they are not the ones who have fought the battles we have. Their words may sting, but they don’t define us. Instead, we focus on the journey of being a warrior, learning from our experiences, and continuing to move forward.
The Call to Reform
In our podcast, we could easily fall into the role of reporters, highlighting the chaos and challenges in our world. However, we choose to be reformers. We want to provide practical, helpful information that empowers our listeners to take action in their lives and relationships. It’s about moving beyond mere observation to actively engaging in the work of transformation.
This commitment to reform is rooted in love—love for our neighbors, love for ourselves, and love for the mission we’ve undertaken. We want to inspire others to step into the battle, to be warriors in their own right, and to contribute positively to the world around them.
Embracing the Journey of Oneness
As we reflect on what we love, it becomes clear that the theme of oneness is central to our message. Marriage, in its truest form, reflects the spiritual and emotional connection we can have with one another and with God. It’s about unity, growth, and the deep bonds that can be formed through shared experiences.
We’ve come to realize that our passion lies in exploring the depths of this oneness—how we can connect more deeply with God and with each other. This journey involves spiritual growth, emotional healing, and the pursuit of meaningful relationships. It’s a beautiful process that enriches our lives and strengthens our communities.
Finding Peace, Rest, and Joy
In our discussions, Stephen often emphasize the importance of peace, rest, and joy as foundational elements of a fulfilling life. These three pillars guide our emotional and spiritual journeys. Jesus invites us to find rest in Him, and we believe that without rest, we cannot effectively engage in the battles we face. When we are weary, our ability to fight diminishes.
We’ve witnessed this struggle in the men we've worked with over the years. Many are fighting battles without the rest they need, leading to exhaustion and frustration. It’s crucial to practice rest, to allow ourselves the space to recharge and rejuvenate. This practice enables us to approach life’s challenges with renewed strength and clarity.
The Role of Pain in Purpose
As we navigate our individual journeys, it’s essential to recognize that our greatest purpose often emerges from our deepest pain. The struggles we face can serve as fertile soil for growth and transformation. If you find yourself in a difficult season, remember that it is not without purpose. God can use these experiences to shape you into the person you are meant to be.
Our greatest purpose often emerges from our deepest pain.
We want to encourage you to embrace your journey, to seek out the lessons hidden within your struggles, and to trust that God is at work in your life. You are not alone in this process; we are here to walk alongside you, offering support and guidance as you take your next best steps.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Community
As we celebrate this milestone of 1000 episodes, we are grateful for the community we’ve built through Pure Sex Radio. Your stories, your struggles, and your victories inspire us to continue this work. We invite you to reflect on what you run on and what you love. How has God wired you? What passions drive you?
Let’s continue to engage in meaningful conversations, to support one another, and to pursue the transformative power of God’s grace together. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Here’s to many more episodes, more stories, and more opportunities to grow in oneness and purpose.