Life Repurposed

What does it really mean to belong in church? When do you know if you've found a church home? Michelle Rayburn discusses this and also briefly mentions a social media post from author and speaker Mary Demuth, who shared her own definition of a spiritual refugee, and the importance of finding a place where we can be vulnerable and truly belong in a church community. Michelle talks about the key factors that contribute to feeling at ...

Is critical thinking dead? It doesn't have to be! In this episode of Life Repurposed, we're diving into the world of critical thinking and its profound impact on life, culture, Bible study, faith, and spirituality. Host Michelle Rayburn unpacks the importance of engaging with scripture in a discerning way, exploring diverse perspectives, and understanding historical and cultural contexts to avoid misinterpretation. But the conversa...

As we journey through life, our perspectives and beliefs undergo a transformation, often challenging long-held traditions and assumptions. In Episode 197 of "Life Repurposed," host Michelle Rayburn shares her personal journey of challenging traditional beliefs about biblical manhood and womanhood. Reflecting on her own evolving perspective and the influence of influential books, she explores the need for open dialogue and understan...

Join Michelle and guests Amber Cullum (Grace Enough Podcast) and Amy Fritz  (Untangled Faith Podcast) in a candid and emotional conversation about planning for an empty nest. As midlife moms with kids at various stages, they share their thoughts, fears, and hopes about their children growing up and leaving home. From navigating the transition to preparing for empty nesting, this episode offers relatable insights and genuine convers...

Did you stay in a church for the kids? Would you stay for your friendships? In Episode 195 of "Life Repurposed," Michelle Rayburn discusses the topic of staying or leaving a church, particularly as individuals navigate changes in their lives and spiritual journeys. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical examples, and insights from experts, Michelle explores the complexities and considerations invol...

In Episode 194 of "Life Repurposed," Michelle emphasizes the transformative power of love as the foundation for rebuilding and enriching lives. With a focus on practical ways to cultivate love, the episode explores empathy, compassion, active listening, and seeking to understand others' unique life stories and worldviews. She discusses the importance of extending acts of kindness, practicing forgiveness, and embracing love as a gui...

In this episode, host Michelle Rayburn explores the importance of pursuing passions and overcoming obstacles in midlife. She shares personal stories and practical tips for reigniting a sense of purpose, embracing uncertainty, and investing in personal growth. Listeners are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, confront fears, and pursue their true aspirations with courage and conviction. Join Michelle as she challenges you...

Discover practical tips and playful insights for navigating life's adventures and memory lapses. Learn memory-boosting strategies, organizational hacks, and how to thrive in midlife and beyond. Rediscover the joy of living fully in the present moment while staying organized and embracing new experiences. Gain practical tips for navigating forgetfulness and maximizing productivity amidst life's chaotic m...

In this episode, Michelle dives into the topic of midlife, reframing it as a pivotal crossroads rather than a crisis. Embracing authenticity, shedding societal expectations, and seeking empowerment and purpose are just some of the transformative themes discussed. Through personal insights and engaging storytelling, Michelle encourages listeners to approach midlife with wonder, gratitude, and a sense of self-discovery. Join her for ...

Are you facing a major life transition? Let's explore the transformative power of change and the resilience it can bring. In this episode of "Life Repurposed," Michelle shares her personal experiences and insights on navigating changes and transitions in midlife. From moving to a new community, dealing with personal and family losses, to reinventing her career, she discusses the emotional challenges, spiritual practices, and practi...

In this thought-provoking episode, Michelle explores the complex world of spiritual growth and finding authentic connection in Christian communities. She tackles the tricky topic of midlife transitions, questioning of faith, and the search for deeper meaning and purpose. She explores the impact of phrases commonly used in church circles and the signs of spiritual abuse within Christian communities.

Drawing from her own experien...

Is it possible to love someone while hating their behavior or decisions? In this episode of Life Repurposed, host Michelle Rayburn explores the potentially controversial phrase "hate the sin, love the sinner," challenging its implications and impact on our relationships. Through biblical insights and compelling examples, Michelle discusses the potential harm and judgmental attitudes this phrase may foster, advocating for a more emp...

Join host Michelle Rayburn and her husband, Phil Rayburn, as they share insights and playful banter about their 34-year marriage. They discuss intentional date nights and the value of communication. Tune in for a fun game of "would you rather," their preferences in various scenarios, and a glimpse into their relationship dynamics. Having fun together is one of their secrets for a long marriage. Don't miss out on this heartwarming a...

Is “born-again Christian” just a box to check on a survey? How does it apply to life today, and is it a label we still use, or has it been ruined by modern evangelicalism? Host Michelle Rayburn begins this thought-provoking episode with exploring the history and modern use of the term “born again” and its impact on the evangelical movement. She reviews the transformative journey of Nicodemus in John 3 and its parallels to the moder...

Is “Christian” a noun or an adjective, and what difference does it make? In Episode 185 of "Life Repurposed," host Michelle Rayburn dives into the implications of the title "Christian" in various aspects of life. She explores the significance of embodying the qualities of Jesus in everyday decisions and challenges listeners to seek spiritual transformation over “plastic” versions of Christianity.

In Episode 184 of Life Repurposed, join host Michelle Rayburn as she shares explores the concept of "biblical worldview" and the diversity of interpretations within Christianity. Michelle discusses what aspects of life are affected by worldview and shares ways to appreciate theological diversity and avoid assuming uniformity among Christians.

She explains the pitfalls of...

It’s time to rethink everything you thought you knew about food, your appearance, and your body. In this episode of Life Repurposed, host Michelle Rayburn is joined by guest Heather Creekmore for a candid conversation about body image and the biblical approach to it. Heather shares her personal journey of struggling with body image issues, dieting, and the realization that her obsession with changing her body had become an idol in ...

In Episode 182 of Life Repurposed, host Michelle Rayburn and guest Becky Melby dive into the importance of setting boundaries, giving yourself grace, and finding balance in managing time and rest. Becky shares her personal experiences with health challenges, taking a pause on her writing, and the transition to embracing a slower pace of life. They dive into the joy of leisure, finding purpose, and debun...

Michelle shares delightful stories of Christmas with her grandma, from treat bags and childhood memories to enduring love and holiday traditions. She encourages listeners to consider those who have touched their lives and to reach out to them during the holidays.

This episode is part 3 of 3 in the Renewed Christmas Blessings special holiday series. It focuses on considering how our legacies are rooted in what we have ...