Esther Liu

Darby Strickland, Gunnar Gunderson, and Esther Liu, all faculty members at CCEF, delve into the complexities of loneliness in social and church settings. They share personal stories about the necessity of authentic connections, emphasizing that viewing others as family is crucial for building relationships. The discussion highlights the importance of emotional honesty and moving outward to combat feelings of isolation. They also reflect on biblical themes of rejection, culminating in a moving prayer for courage and the strength to connect.

Gunner Gundersen, a faculty member specializing in biblical theology, and Esther Liu, an expert on the intersection of Scripture and life's challenges, dive into the intricacies of conflict. They discuss the emotional toll of confrontation and the importance of understanding one’s heart through grace. Gunner and Esther highlight reframing conflicts as growth opportunities while sharing practical strategies to engage with empathy and self-restraint. Their insights offer a roadmap for navigating relational challenges with compassion and faith.

In this engaging discussion, Darby Strickland and Esther Liu, CCEF faculty members, delve into cultivating gratitude from a Christian perspective. They share practical strategies for integrating gratitude into daily life and highlight its transformative power amid a discontented culture. The conversation emphasizes how humility enhances appreciation for God's gifts while encouraging honest gratitude even during sorrow. Through playful reflections and biblical insights, they inspire listeners to recognize God's consistent presence and the beauty of gratitude in their spiritual journey.

Darby Strickland, a CCEF faculty member, discusses how busyness often masks deeper emotional struggles and the challenges of societal pressures. Esther Liu, also from CCEF, highlights the importance of honest conversations with the Lord about our expectations and busyness. They share insights on the emotional toll of a hectic lifestyle, emphasizing the need for compassion and rest in Christ. The conversation explores the spiritual costs of busyness and offers practical strategies to cultivate focus and presence amidst the chaos.

Esther Liu, a CCEF faculty member focusing on the experience of God’s silence, and Darby Strickland, also a faculty member who shares insights on abandonment, unravel the emotional complexities of feeling God is distant. They discuss how prolonged suffering can lead to doubt and isolation, while emphasizing that these struggles are common among Christians. Using the Psalms, they explore the transforming power of prayer and the importance of community, encouraging listeners to find hope and trust in God’s faithfulness, even in silence.

Darby Strickland and Esther Liu, both faculty members at CCEF, engage in a thoughtful discussion on the nuances of patience. They explore modern society's obsession with immediacy and how it affects our understanding of patience. Through personal anecdotes, they reveal the struggles of waiting and the transformative power of being patient in relationships. They emphasize patience as a pathway to personal growth and spiritual maturity, encouraging trust in God’s timing and learning to appreciate the present moment.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Darby Strickland, a counselor and CCEF faculty member, and Esther Liu, a colleague focused on spiritual growth, unravel the intricate nature of forgiveness. They debunk myths like 'forgive means forget,' and emphasize that forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing or require reliving pain. The duo explores what makes forgiveness challenging, and offers practical advice for cultivating a forgiving spirit, highlighting the importance of relying on God's support throughout the process.

Darby Strickland, Esther Liu, and Gunnar Gunderson, all faculty members at CCEF, explore the multi-faceted nature of discouragement. They discuss the critical role of language in expressing our struggles, fostering deeper connections with God. Scriptural insights offer hope and encouragement, highlighting endurance and prayer as key tools for overcoming despair. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support and spiritual resources, linking personal experiences to biblical truths for a more profound understanding of God's presence during challenging times.

Darby Strickland and Esther Liu join the conversation to unpack progressive sanctification and its significance in the believer's life. They dive into how our union with Christ forms a solid foundation for spiritual growth, emphasizing that this journey is not linear but filled with ups and downs. The duo discusses the challenges believers face, like battling sin, and how understanding one's identity in Christ brings hope. Their insightful perspectives remind listeners that while growth can be messy, God's unwavering love supports us along the way.

Esther Liu, an author who delves into the intricate ties between shame, faith, and the gospel, shares valuable insights in this discussion. She emphasizes how shame affects self-perception and relationships, often underlining issues like anxiety and depression. Drawing from the biblical story of Adam and Eve, she illustrates the contrast between divine compassion and societal shame. The conversation also explores Peter's journey of denial and grace, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness and the vital role of pastors in addressing shame within their communities.