23 - What Did This Cost Me?

Life can feel chaotic, and in moments of despair, it’s easy to question whether God truly sees us. Dr. Gladys Childs opens up about the hidden toll of merely going through the motions in faith—drawing from her own story and connecting it to biblical truths. She invites listeners to engage in honest accountability regarding the emotional and spiritual losses they've endured. What have we sacrificed in our pursuit of faithfulness? Is it the Sunday mornings devoid of meaning? The lessons passed down to our children that turn faith into performance? Dr. Childs poignantly reveals how our well-intentioned commitments can lead to a quiet yet profound disconnect from genuine heart-felt faith. Through reflections on personal experiences, including her time in children's ministry, she emphasizes that grief unacknowledged can turn into deep-seated resentment. This episode is an opportunity to confront the costs of a faith routine, prompting listeners to shed light on the ache that often remains unnamed. Dr. Childs draws parallels to the story of the Prodigal Son, revealing that even those who appear faithful may be wrestling with their own disillusionment. As she recounts a pivotal Easter Sunday moment—a painful reminder of being unfulfilled in a role she took on under pressure—the discussion opens the door to recognizing our own struggles. Each listener is challenged to sit with their own loss, to count the costs, and to acknowledge the truths hidden beneath the surface. This steady unveiling lays bare how, despite fulfilling our obligations for years, we may find ourselves emotionally and spiritually drained. With honesty, Dr. Childs underscores the reality that many have built facades out of exhaustion, revealing a heart that has distanced itself from God while maintaining appearances. Join her in exploring how these hidden costs can impact our relationships and faith journeys. This week offers a poignant invitation to name these losses, to reflect intentionally on the ache, and to understand that it’s never too late to reclaim our voice of authenticity in the presence of God. The hope lies in realizing that Jesus sees our pain and offers us the grace to embrace it. Reflect and stay in the moment with Him, as Dr. Childs reminds us that the path to healing begins with honesty about the price we've paid. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.