Hopeful Sufferers

Erik and Brett recount the tornado that left a wake of destruction from East Nashville to Putnam County on March 3, 2020.

Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, died in a helicopter crash along with others, just a few weeks ago. Erik and Brett dissect the response from the fans and have a conversation about how we as Christians should respond to tragedies like these.

Erik shares about the new perspective he gained over the past couple of months, particularly over his "sabbatical", or leave of absence. He and Brett dive into details surrounding church service planning, and then Erik announces a big announcement at the end.

Erik was prepping for a sabbatical to begin on December 1st. As we know it, December 1st marked a new season for him and his family. In this conversation, Erik shares what his "sabbatical" actually looked like under the new circumstances.

Brett shares his side of the six days surrounding Kaleb's passing. From the the church and funeral logistics to other details inside the hospital room, Erik and Brett unpack even more the loss of Kaleb from a different perspective. You can watch the service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjOMKLXqaGs

After a long break since the passing of Kaleb, Erik and Brett talk through the events that led to the day Kaleb went to be with Jesus - December 1, 2019.

Kaleb passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2019. Please keep praying for the Reed family as they grieve their loss. Here is the message that Erik preached at Kaleb's Funeral.

Throughout the podcast, finding hope in your suffering has been the theme, but hope has never been outright defined. Erik and Brett use an insightful article to discuss what hope truly is. Also, with new music on the horizon, Erik and Brett discuss the heart behind Brett's new song "Attention". Join the convo! Article by Sharon Ackman https://medium.com/@sharonackman/soldiers-with-this-trait-are-survivors-in-war-and-life-2b7c6ad34afb

This is a rich conversation with Matthew McCullough, the author of Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope. The ironic claim at the heart of this book is that honesty about death brings hope to life. Join the conversation as Matthew unpacks what led him to write it. Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Death-Surprising-Living-Coalition/dp/1433560534

For 23 episodes, the type of suffering that has been addressed is passive (the suffering you don't expect or anticipate). But, what about the suffering that comes as a result of obedience? Join the convo.

Erik and Brett talk about the importance of removing the mask and diving into community.

So much hope is found in the promises of God. The waiting that precedes the fulfillment of these promises is the hard part. Join Erik and Brett as they discuss living in the in-between of the promises given and promises not yet realized.

Erik and Brett use Psalm 13 along with some real life examples within the context of their church to navigate the tension of worship in suffering. Shoutout to Psalmbird Coffee (https://www.facebook.com/psalmbirdcoffee/) for great coffee during the conversation!

Erik and Brett are joined by their pal, Trey Ethridge, as they pick up where they left off in episode 019, and unpack some practical steps on how to become more dependent on God. What does this look like? How can we be more effective in our pursuits? Why does this matter? If you missed Episode 019 - Dependence: A Learned Helplessness, make sure to go back and check it out as it lays out the foundation of this initial conversation.

Our whole lives, we are raised to become independent. As believers in Christ, though, the more mature we become in our walk with Him, the more dependent we become on Him. Suffering and trails are ways God uses to shift our posture to dependence on Him.

In light of the recent suicide of a well-known pastor, many questions are surfacing about the reality and severity of mental illness, and the thought process of suicide. How should we as Christians respond to cases like these? Join Erik, Brett, and a panel of pastors from the Journey Church in Lebanon, TN as they discuss these issues.

After a few months of a break, Erik and Brett are back in the Hopeful Sufferers' studio (closet). Join the conversation as they address everything from their summer events, to the rough start to the Vols season, to soon coming new music, and nuggets of hope in our suffering. Follow us on social media: IG and twitter: @hopeful_podcast FB: Hopeful Sufferers

Jacob Scrimpshire and his wife, Shanna, experienced the nightmare new parents fear with the loss of their first child. Join the conversation as Jacob walks through the details of their story and how they found hope. Referred in this episode is Nancy Guthrie's Respite Retreat. If you or someone you know could benefit from this retreat, here's a link: https://www.nancyguthrie.com/respite-retreat

What is your view of Heaven? Do you long for that day? Erik and Brett discuss old views, why some might not long for Heaven, and why a proper understanding of Heaven is so important. Join the conversation!

Erik and Brett dive into the significance of the cross, the importance of the resurrection, and the reason we can find hope in our suffering.