North Point Community Church Anticipating Christmas, Part 1: When God Arrives Ahead of Time // Andy Stanley with Steve Cuss
9 snips
Dec 7, 2025 
Join Andy Stanley and guest Steve Cuss, a former hospital chaplain and anxiety management expert, as they dive into the tug-of-war between inner anxiety and recognizing God's nearness. Steve shares insights from his chaplaincy, emphasizing the importance of managing personal reactivity to support others. He identifies true versus false needs, explaining how common anxieties manifest in daily life. The discussion culminates with practical strategies to cultivate presence, urging listeners to embrace curiosity and self-care as paths to a healthier, more connected life.
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First-Year Chaplain Shock
- Steve Cuss describes his first year as a hospital chaplain where he attended around 200 deaths and had to learn on the job.
- He learned early that crises reveal preexisting family dynamics rather than create them.
Crisis Reveals Existing Dynamics
- Crises don't create relationship dynamics; they expose whatever was present a minute before the crisis.
- Steve Cuss compares Christmas gatherings to crises because they heighten existing dynamics.
Manage Yourself First
- Your primary job in tense moments is to manage yourself, not fix others.
- Reactivity comes from false needs and must be restrained to be present for others.
