Episode Description
In this powerful episode, Anna addresses a critical truth that often gets overlooked: there are ditches on both sides of the road. While many of us struggle with saying yes to too much during the Christmas season (and beyond), there's an equally dangerous ditch on the other side—self-indulgence and isolation disguised as self-care.
Anna challenges listeners to examine their hearts and discern whether they're being called to pull back and create margin, or whether they're being nudged to show up and serve sacrificially. Through vulnerable reflection, she explores how to navigate the tension between rest and service, between protecting our peace and answering the call to love others well.
The key? Tuning our hearts to the Father and seeking His specific guidance for our individual calling—because what He's asking of you might be different from what He's asking of your neighbor.
Key Points
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The "Ditches on Both Sides" Principle: In most areas of life, we can fall off the road in either direction—saying yes to everything OR retreating into self-protective comfort
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When You Need to Say No: If you're in a constant rhythm of yes, yes, yes, you may need to hear it's time for a no
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The Flip Side—Self-Indulgence: We can become too comfortable with our "webbies and warm blankets," avoiding opportunities to serve and show up for others
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True Freedom to Say Yes: We must first recognize we don't have to go—only then can our yes be truly rooted in love rather than obligation
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Seek Divine Guidance: Bow the knee to the Lord and ask, "What is my best yes today? Where should my steps lead?"
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The Most Important Yes: The most loving yes when taking all souls into account—not just our own comfort
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Sacrificial Love in Action: Learning from friends who show up and serve from a place of sacrificial love
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The Universal Call: Prepare Him room—whether that's through creating space for quiet reflection or putting on work clothes to serve
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Checking Your Spirit: Notice your reaction to this message—excitement about saying no might indicate self-indulgence; nervous fluttering might indicate you need to create space
Additional Resources Mentioned
Here are the Theologians I've Been Enjoying Listening To:
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Wes Huff – YouTube Channel
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Gavin Ortlund – YouTube Channel
…and here's the end times/eschatology conversation I mentioned in the episode: https://youtu.be/B6XZrjNqCBw?si=n9TQQSMhgTzN0BKe
Free Resource: Thrive Through the Holidays
The holidays shouldn't just happen to you.
Take a moment to cast vision for a season that reflects your family's values and makes room for Emmanuel — God with us.
[Click here to get your free guide]
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MUSIC CREDITS
Theme music: Brave New World
ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662
Artist: Fantoms
Inspiring Hopeful
Audio source: Jamendo
Artist: Aliaksei Yukhnevich
ASLC-2B505EF3-E9CD4817A6