Show Notes
Episode 93. Navigating Division and Seeking Peace in Difficult Times
Episode 93. Navigating Division and Seeking Peace in Difficult Times
“In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
~ John 16:33
What do I do when I feel like giving up?
Is God present even when things feel hopeless?
Is it up to me to solve the problems in the world around me?
In Episode 93 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna tackle the challenge of staying sane and spiritually grounded in a world that feels increasingly divided, chaotic, and hopeless. The episode delves into the heavy realities facing our local communities and the broader world—addressing violence, division, and the toll of recent tragedies. Drawing on their backgrounds in faith, therapy, and family life, Pat and Kenna explore the tension between seeking justice and maintaining inner peace, as well as the struggle to trust and engage one another amid strong differences. They offer practical reflections on discerning what is in our control, the importance of empathy, and finding peace rooted in relationship with God rather than public approval. Join them for honest conversation, vulnerability, and encouragement to anchor your sanity—and search for sanctity—in turbulent times.
Show Notes
So many instances of social unrest bring a sense of internal unrest as well
Who are the people in my life that I can really be honest with about how I feel?
“I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33
We should never tolerate evil, but we should also never be surprised by evil.
Two extremes offer the illusion of peace:
On one hand, anger than turns into resentment and even violence
On the other hand, burying your head in the sand or refusing to respond
The path to true interior peace lies between these extremes: I’m not surprised by the evil that surrounds me, and I’m ready to respond to the extent that I am able.
There is something in every human that wants to destroy an opponent: in psychological terms, we find ourselves in fight/flight/freeze mode
What is in my control and what is not in my control?
A significant factor in losing my peace is in trying to control things that are outside my control, or in denying my agency and not doing what I should do
One of the things that is in my control is whether I am seeking the approval of others
“And so, my prayer for you is that truth will bring prayer in our homes, and the fruit of prayer will be that we believe that in the poor, it is Christ. And if we really believe, we will begin to love. And if we love, naturally, we will try to do something. First in our own home, our next door neighbor, in the country we live, in the whole world.”
St. Teresa of Calcutta
“The reasons why we lose our peace are always bad reasons.”
Searching For And Maintaining Peace, Fr. Jacques Philippe
The Jesus who said “Love your enemies” meant your enemies!
What is your relationship with news and information? Are you seeking out too much information, or only the information that confirms your own opinions?
In my state in life, in my role, what do I need to know? Is it enough to know that there are people on both sides that need prayer?
Challenge By Choice
With everything going on in the world, how do I feel?
Am I at peace with my own involvement with hardships in the world?
Am I doing what I’m doing as an authentic response to God’s call or for the approval of others?
Reflection Questions
For personal reflection or group discussion
What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What are some challenges that have felt overwhelming in the world? What has felt overwhelming in your own personal life before?
When have your feelings & opinions felt unwelcome? How have you navigated that situation?
When have you been tempted to two extremes: anger leading to self-righteous action and apathy leading to inaction?
The episodes stresses the value of empathy and loving those we disagree with, even across chasms of opinion. What are some practical steps to foster empathy in your relationships or community?