Conversations with Cinthia

Mallory and Baldwin's Seven Steps to A Better You, continued

Self-improvement was a focus for lots of people in the 1970's when a psychiatrist named James Mallory worked with a pastor named Stanley Baldwin to produce a book called Kink and I: A Psychiatrist's Guide to Untwisted Living.  In it, they prescribed seven steps to "untwist" one's life.  Cinthia suggests that these steps are highly relevant today, and she continues the exploration begun last week.

Dying to Self, Part 2, and Introduction to Mallory's Seven Steps

The idea of "dying to self," while biblically imperative, can seem to clash with modern ideas of psychological health.  Cinthia explores what "dying to self" actually means and how it makes us more whole, not less; in fact, it both requires and creates emotional maturity.  She then introduces James Mallory's "Seven Steps to A Better You," work that was done in the 1970's but is highly relevant today.

Dying to Self, Part 1, and Guest Daniel Yohannon: Gospel for Asia

"Dying to self"...  It's an intimidating phrase, and people often associate it with self-loathing, denial of legitimate needs, and other unhealthy practices.  Still, if we take seriously the words of Jesus, we can't ignore it.  Cinthia's exploration of the topic indicates that dying to self, once we understand the concept, is actually the best thing we can do for ourselves.  Cinthia then interviews Daniel Yohannon, Vice President of Gospel for Asia, as he talks about the organization's work and how dying to our own self-centeredness can have far-reaching impact.

Do You Trust Me?

Let's face it... Some of us have trust issues.  Cinthia asserts that we should not, in fact, trust too easily.  But how do you know when you need to open the gate a little wider and risk some trust?  And, once you know, how do you actually take steps in that direction?  

Making Friends With the Word "NO"

It's two letters.  One syllable.  One tiny word.  Why is it so hard for some people to say "no" to others?  Why is it so hard to say "no" to ourselves?  Cinthia asserts that the ability to say "no" is a gift from God, one that is meant to keep us safe, and that it can become a best friend.  She also explores the impossibility of truly owning our "yes" if we're still rejecting our "no."

Guest John L. Pudaite, President & CEO of Bible for the World

If you don't know John L. Pudaite's story, you have to hear this interview!  He and his family are from India and are of Hmar descent.  His grandfather was among the first to follow Jesus during the days when the tribe was still known among Westerners for head-hunting.  Mr. Pudaite's family was crucially involved in the incredible shifts that came with Christianity, and his father traveled to educate himself at a young age so he could translate the Bible into the Hmar language.  Today, Mr. Pudaite runs Bible for the World, the organization his father started to continue bringing the Bible to people in their own original languages so they can hear God's Word in the language most basic to their hearts and minds.  This is definitely a don't-miss episode!

Fear: God's Wisdom, Provision, and Purpose

In this episode, Cinthia compares potential to a seed.  It needs faith and love to grow, which God provides.  We participate by working to unleash our potential.  When the fruit comes, what really matters is whether it feeds others.  But what if your years are rolling by you and you haven't become what you believe deep-down you were meant to become?  Cinthia points to several household names that found success late in life or after repeated failures.

Fear: No Holding Back

Have you ever thought it was too late to meet the potential you may once have had?  Cinthia asserts that God is not thrown by our ages or past mistakes, but that He still sees the potential and gives the faith and love necessary to meet it.  She also states that true potential is not about what we may accomplish but about whom we may benefit.  If you want God to use you to benefit others, if you have a dream but feel silly about still dreaming it, join Cinthia for a look at people in the Bible and other history who hit great heights after meeting great failures or living more years than people might expect.  It's not too late for you, either.  Listen!

Fear: Risk-Taking, Part 2

Cinthia's week-long exploration of fear continues.  Risk and value go together -- We take risks for what we value.  But what if we've already missed it?  What if we have neglected to take appropriate risks, or taken inappropriate ones, and suffered loss?  Cinthia answers that we remember, we learn, we share, and we use hindsight for its intended purposes only.

Fear: Risk-Taking, Part 1

What constitutes a healthy risk?  Cinthia explores how to make sure the risks you take fit with your value system, beginning with the need to let go of our past successes and failures so that our current decisions aren't all about repeating the past.