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LATEST EPISODE
Embrace Goodbye:
A Sacred Journey of Letting Go
'Stories and Other Things Holy' Episode 23:
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REFLECTION:
Letting Go to Embrace New Beginnings
By Joshua Minden
Hello friends,
This week’s episode left me with a quiet but profound invitation—a call to say goodbye. As I listened to Terry’s heartfelt story of farewell, I couldn’t help but feel that this goodbye was more than a simple farewell; it was a layered, living goodbye, a gentle urging to release parts of ourselves that no longer serve us. Sometimes we carry on with an old version of who we were, or we cling to roles and dreams that have quietly shifted. In that tender space of letting go, there is an opportunity to make room for something new, something more vibrant.
I’ve been reflecting on what it means to truly say goodbye—not out of loss, but as an act of deep love and trust in the unfolding of our lives. It’s a bittersweet process: the pain of release is intertwined with the promise of renewal. And perhaps, that’s the sacred mystery of our journey. Each goodbye holds within it the possibility of transformation. It’s a reminder that while parts of us may fade, the essence of who we are and the grace that guides us remains ever-present.
As you go about your week, I invite you to consider: What are you being asked to say goodbye to? Is there an old burden, a faded dream, or even a past version of yourself that you’ve outgrown? Allow yourself the space to release it gently, knowing that each farewell is also a step toward a more open, loving future.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. May your goodbyes be filled with the quiet courage of hope, and may you always find the grace to welcome new beginnings.
Blessings,
Joshua
Gracercise #1
The Silence of Goodbye
Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and take several slow, deep breaths. In this silence, ask yourself: “What is it that I am holding onto that no longer serves me?” Allow any memories, roles, or old identities to arise. Sit with the feeling of release, and in that space, silently invite God to help you let go. Reflect on the truth that each goodbye is a step toward renewal.
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Gracercise #2
Embracing Renewal
Light a candle or open a window for a moment of natural light, and offer a prayer of gratitude for the blessings of your past—even those parts you now feel ready to release. In your heart, visualize the old parts of yourself gently dissolving, making space for new growth. Pray, “Lord, help me release what burdens me, so that I may be reborn into Your light and love.”
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Gracercise #3
Surrendering to Grace
Write down one or two things you feel ready to let go of—whether it’s a memory, a habit, or a past version of yourself. As you write, whisper a prayer asking for the courage to surrender these burdens. Once you’ve written them, read them aloud as an act of letting go, and then safely dispose of the paper as a symbol of your release. Conclude by thanking God for the promise of new beginnings that come with every sacred goodbye.
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Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson
Principle Storyteller
Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson is a dynamic storyteller and theologian whose engaging narrative weaves together the rich tapestry of Jesus’ story with our own life journeys. With a passion for narrative theology, poetry, and humor, he invites us to embrace the mystery of grace and spirit. As the mind behind Soul Play and a guiding voice in retreats and faith formation, Terry’s reflections inspire us to see the sacred in every story and every day.
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Joshua Minden
Producer & Host
Joshua Minden is the host and technical force behind 'Stories and Other Things Holy.' With a rich background in youth ministry and Franciscan spirituality, he uses the art of storytelling to spark transformation, healing, and community connection. As founder of Amplify and a skilled communicator, Joshua creates spaces where faith, hope, and shared humanity come alive through every episode.
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" I don't know. I don't understand. It's a complete mystery to me, but I do know that I was in holy communion, as a verb, with Carter, as he primarily, a me secondarily, say goodbye to Hattie"
— Terry Nelson-Johnson
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