Bear the Beams of Love with Rivers

In this heart-centered solo episode, Rivers shares why grandfathers aren’t just figureheads—we're flashlights.

Guides.

Bearers of love.

Inspired by Jesuit priest and gang intervention hero Greg Boyle, Rivers unpacks a dream, a poem, and a moment that shifts how we see our role as grandpas—not just in family, but in the world.

Episode Highlights

The book that lit the match

Tattoos on the Heart by Greg Boyle becomes the emotional compass of this episode

A line from William Blake sets the tone:

“We are put on earth for a little space, that we might learn to bear the beams of love.”

The story of Pedro & the flashlight.

Pedro’s brother, Jovan, dies by suicide

Pedro dreams he's in a dark room.

In the dream, Greg Boyle doesn’t rescue him—he simply shines a flashlight at the switch

Pedro walks toward it. Flips it on. The room fills with light.

“The light is better than the darkness,” he says, weeping

The grandpa takeaway.

We don’t have to save our grandchildren.

But we can be the one holding the light steady

Our job isn’t to fix—it’s to be present, loving, and quietly powerful

To bear the beam, and invite them to turn it on

Quote to remember:

“None of us can save anybody—but we all fumble for grace and flashlights.” — Greg Boyle via Rivers

Grandpa truth:

You are the flashlight. Even if you say nothing at all

Your light= gods love

Shined steadily, not shouted

Grandpa is a calling

And your presence is the sermon

🎧 Who Should Listen

This episode is for:

Grandfathers navigating grief, imperfection, or silent seasons

Men who feel unsure if their presence matters

Anyone who needs to remember: steady love changes everything