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LATEST EPISODE
Transformative Faith: How a Cross Encounter Inspires Love & Grace
'Stories and Other Things Holy' Episode 25:
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REFLECTION:
Loving Kindness Meditation
Terry Nelson-Johnson
Who would have thought? A Catholic guy finds himself accompanying his wife on a Buddhist Loving Kindness retreat—only to return with a blessing and a gift that keeps on giving! The mystery of the Divine is indeed mysterious… and oh, so sneakily playful!
During the retreat, we were invited to create our own Loving-Kindness Meditation. Unburdened by the history, rhythm, or conventional expectations of these meditations, I simply found my way to the quiet and wrote:
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May you know yourself as baptized.
May you receive and mediate grace like an aqueduct.
May you laugh and weep without constraint.
And at the time of your death, may you be free to hurl yourself into the ambiguous—yet certain—arms of love.
Even as I type these simple words, I feel both calmed and deeply rooted. I don’t claim to fully understand or master the wisdom of inspired writing—yet, upon reflection, it seems that these words are the result of a beautiful collaboration. I have whispered this meditation countless times, in all sorts of circumstances.
Please take a few minutes to listen to the story of how this meditation emerged into my little world—and, eventually, into yours. May this blessing continue to… well, bless.
Gracercise #1
Embrace Your Baptism
Find a quiet space and center yourself. Reflect on the meaning of being “baptized” in your life—not just in the traditional sense, but as a continual immersion into divine grace. Consider how this sacred identity shapes your relationships, decisions, and moments of vulnerability. Ask yourself: “How does knowing that I am baptized inspire me to live with authenticity and grace?”
Prayer:
“Lord, help me to remember my sacred beginning. May I live each day as a testament to the grace bestowed upon me, flowing like a living water into every corner of my life.”
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Gracercise #2
Express Without Constraint
Sit quietly and observe the spectrum of your emotions. Reflect on the invitation to “laugh and weep without constraint.” Embrace the fullness of your feelings as natural expressions of your human experience. Ask: “What is it that holds me back from fully embracing my joy and sorrow?”
Prayer:
“Divine Creator, grant me the courage to express my true self. Let me laugh wholeheartedly and weep freely, knowing that each emotion is a step toward deeper healing and connection.”
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Gracercise #3
Trust in the Unknown
In a moment of stillness, meditate on the paradox of life and death—the idea of hurling oneself into the ambiguous, yet certain arms of love. Reflect on your own fears about the unknown and the transformative power of surrender. Ask: “How can I learn to trust in the mystery and find comfort in the certainty of divine love?”
Prayer:
“Infinite Love, as I stand on the edge of the known and the unknown, fill me with trust. Help me to surrender my fears, embracing the beautiful mystery of life, and know that I am safely held in Your eternal embrace.”
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Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson
Principal 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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" ...And at the time of your death, may you be free to hurl yourself into the ambiguous—yet certain—arms of love."
— Terry Nelson-Johnson
