S18 E8 - The Way of Trust and Love: An Elevator for Small Children
Release Date: 03/09/2026
Abiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on “” and focus on Chapter 3: Being Reconciled to Our Weakness. We talk about how our struggles with ourselves often spill over into our relationships with others and how learning to accept our own weakness can soften our hearts towards the weakness we see in those around us. We also reflect on the tension between accepting our littleness and desiring real conversion, how we become more aware of our imperfections as we draw closer to the Lord, and the gift of community in helping us clearly see our lives. This week, we invite you to...
info_outlineAbiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on “” and focus on Chapter 2: An Elevator for Small Children. We talk about the quiet places of discouragement, and self-reliance that keep us striving instead of surrendering. We also reflect about how radical dependence on God is not laziness, the subtle ways we resist being little before a loving Father, and how our poverty is a doorway into deeper trust. This week, we invite you to fall into the Father’s arms, allow Him to pick you up, and rest in the One who delights in you. Heather’s One Thing - The Prince of Egypt...
info_outlineAbiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on “” and focus on Chapter 1: A Completely New Way. We reflect on the “little way” of St. Thérèse, the invitation to become spiritual children before the Father, and how weakness becomes the very place where Christ comes to meet us. We also talk about the difference between being childish and childlike, why true maturity in faith begins with admitting our own poverty, and how small acts of courage open the door to deep healing. This week, we invite you to name the desires stirring in your heart and let the Holy Spirit awaken a new...
info_outlineAbiding Together
In this episode, we begin our Lenten book study on “” and focus on the Introduction. We talk about how St. Thérèse’s “little way” offers hope to weary hearts who feel small, fragile, or poor. We discuss how the Lord can transform our lives in a moment, how to boast in our poverty instead of bemoaning it, and the power of a listening heart. This Lent, we invite you into a gentler, deeper journey—one rooted not in striving, but in trust and love. Heather’s One Thing - and everyone who put together this experience Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Michelle’s One...
info_outlineAbiding Together
In this episode, we reflect on Lent as a Holy Spirit led journey through the desert to bring us into a deeper union with God. We talk about the resistance many of us feel to fasting, why Lent is not a self-improvement project, and the importance of discerning our Lenten practices. We also discuss how, through Lent, our true identity as beloved daughters is revealed, tested, and healed. Before Lent begins on Wednesday, we invite you to notice where your heart may feel numb, distracted, or defensive, and ask the Holy Spirit what He desires to restore. Our Lenten book study “” will begin next...
info_outlineAbiding Together
In this episode, we welcome author, counselor, and speaker John Eldredge to the show, who is best known for his book Wild at Heart. We have a powerful conversation about intimacy with God in a world full of chaos, suffering, and spiritual hunger. We reflect on what it means to reclaim a “re-enchanted” Christian worldview, how to pray against chaos, the profound gift women have to offer the world right now. We also talk practically about how to pray as a couple, ask John to lead us in a guided “Pause” prayer, and invite you into a moment of stillness, surrender, and loving awareness of...
info_outlineAbiding Together
In this episode, we explore why spending time Scripture is essential for staying rooted in Christ and how it aids us in the midst of spiritual battle. We reflect on the reality that Scripture is the living Word of God, far more powerful than we often realize. It has the ability to encourage, correct, heal, and transform our hearts. We share personal stories of how the Holy Spirit has brought Scripture to life for us and how God’s Word has been an anchor during seasons of difficulty. Friends, God desires to speak to you personally through His Word and is inviting you not into just another...
info_outlineAbiding Together
In this episode, we reflect on the tender and often misunderstood topic of forgiveness, what it is, what it isn’t, and why it's central to finding freedom in Christ. We talk honestly about how resentment and unforgiveness can quietly build in the heart, often as an attempt to protect ourselves from further pain. We also acknowledge how difficult forgiveness can be, what to do with the cry of our hearts when we have been wounded, and how to entrust it to God when we don’t yet feel capable of forgiving. Friends, forgiveness does not strip us of our identity, it affirms who we are in Christ....
info_outlineAbiding Together
Welcome to season 18 kickoff with our annual tradition of the Word of the Year episode! Each year, we ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share what our words for 2026 mean to us and chat about the Saints journeying with us this year. We are excited to be back and look forward to what this year will bring! Heather’s One Thing - by Dr. Sean Tobin ( too!) Heather’s Other One Thing - by Amanda Cook Sister Miriam’s One Thing - by Fr. Paul Hinnebusch, OP () Michelle’s One Thing - by Allen...
info_outlineAbiding Together
In this episode, we end our journey at the Stable, the humble place where God chose for us to meet His Son. We reflect on the stable of our own hearts, how Jesus chooses to meet us in our own poverty now, and why His very presence brings healing. We also talk about how when we sit in our emptiness, release control, and surrender each part of our lives to God, He is able to work more powerfully in our lives. Finally, we ponder Mary’s quiet and loving gaze upon the Christ Child and how we are invited to slow down and notice Jesus smiling back at us. Friends, we’ve deeply enjoyed...
info_outlineIn this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on “The Way of Trust and Love” and focus on Chapter 2: An Elevator for Small Children. We talk about the quiet places of discouragement, and self-reliance that keep us striving instead of surrendering. We also reflect about how radical dependence on God is not laziness, the subtle ways we resist being little before a loving Father, and how our poverty is a doorway into deeper trust. This week, we invite you to fall into the Father’s arms, allow Him to pick you up, and rest in the One who delights in you.
Heather’s One Thing - The Prince of Egypt Movie
Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Bishop Erik Varden’s Lenten Reflections to Pope Leo (I especially recommend the reflections entitled: Bernard the Idealist, God’s Help, Becoming Free, and Splendour of Truth)
Michelle’s One Thing - Art Lectio Instagram Account
Journal Questions:
- Where are you feeling discouraged?
- Where do I experience self-reliance, codependency, or hypervigilance in my life?
- When in the past have I made agreements that I have to rely on myself and fix everything?
- Where am I living out a pattern of childhood wounds and identities?
Discussion Questions:
- How have you experienced failure this Lent?
- When do I grasp, kick, and flail like a child in my spiritual life?
- When did God last remind you that you are not God? How did your heart respond to it?
- Where is God inviting you to embrace your littleness rather than run from it?
Quote to Ponder:
“Being little means not attributing to ourselves the virtues we practice, or believing ourselves capable of anything, but recognizing that God places this treasure in the hands of His little child so that she can use it when she needs it; but the treasure is still God’s.” (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)
Scripture for Lectio:
“All you who labor, who are bent under the weight of your burden, who find the demands of the Law too heavy, come to me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28)
Sponsor - The JPII Healing Center:
Jesus longs to heal every hidden hurt in your heart—Do you want to be healed?
For the past 20 years, the John Paul II Healing Center, founded by Dr. Bob Schuchts, has offered healing retreats, trainings, and workshops to help people experience deeper intimacy and communion with the Blessed Trinity.
And now, you can experience our transformational teaching, Healing the Whole Person, right at home.
This 8-part video series expands on the teaching offered by Dr. Bob Schuchts and Sr. Miriam James Heidland at our Healing the Whole Person weekend retreats. For the past two years, this series has blessed thousands of groups and individuals across the world by drawing the brokenhearted close to the abiding love of the Blessed Trinity.
Through in-depth teachings, prayerful meditations, reflective journaling, and pre-recorded Q&A sessions, you are gently guided through your sorrowful mysteries into joyful restoration.
The Abiding Together Community can use code Abiding25 to receive 25% off individual and group leader subscriptions. This offer ends April 13th.
To learn more and begin your journey, visit www.jpiihealingcenter.org
Healing The Whole Person Series Link: https://virtual.jpiihealingcenter.org/start
Timestamps:
00:00 The JPII Healing Center
01:31 Intro
02:18 Guiding Quote
04:39 Discouragement is the Downfall of Souls
08:27 Subtle Agreements We Make Throughout Our Days
10:50 Surrender is Not Laziness
13:26 Illumination is Spiritual Progress
15:55 Being Curious About Our Own Heart
18:34 Becoming Little is Maturation
20:47 Suffering in Communion with the Father
23:53 The Father Cannot Resist His Children’s Trust
27:14 Am I Still Lovable if I am Little and have Needs?
29:44 One Things