By Andy Hale
We are so busy, and our world is ever-changing. And yet, right outside my window are trees that have gone through their annual process of shedding their leaves, standing barren and withstanding the cold for several months before they will bud new leaves.
Why is paying attention to everyday experience key to our flourishing? And, for those of us who might be addicted to busyness, how do you recommend we reorient ourselves to be able to do so?
“There is real peril in allowing ourselves to subtly accept the idea of ourselves (or anyone else’s) disposability, the value of human persons for their ability to function efficiently,” said Dr. Joy Marie Clarkson on the CBF Podcast Conversation.
Joy, the books and culture editor for Plough Quarterly and the host of the Speaking with Joy podcast, sat down with us to discuss her new book, You Are a Tree: And Other Metaphors to Nourish Life, Thought, and Prayer.
Listen here.
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CBF’s podcast shares stories from across the Fellowship and innovative practices of those working to renew God’s world. The vision is to share ideas, stories, and innovations from ministers, authors, and practitioners.
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Sponsorship
This podcast is presented by:
- Baylor’s Garland School of Social Work: Social workers can be found addressing the full scope of the human experience in churches, schools, prisons, government agencies, senior living centers, nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies.
- Baptist Seminary of Kentucky: BSK equips leaders through their Homegrown Initiative, offering ministry leaders training and growth that fits into their busy schedules.
- The Gardner-Webb School of Divinity: The Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity aims to equip, nurture, encourage, and support men and women for their very best service in the Kingdom of God.
- The Center for Congregational Health: Strengthening congregations through consulting, leadership coaching, and intentional ministry.
- The Baptist House of Studies at Union Presbyterian Seminary: Exists by God’s grace to educate, inspire, and support generations of bold, faithful servant leaders as they seek actively to participate in God’s mission in the world.
- Community Transformation Center: Through educational opportunities, community conversations, and research initiatives in collaboration with universities and local leaders, PBACTC is at the forefront of integrating spiritual care into holistic community development.
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There are five levels of listener support, starting at $5 per month…learn more and become a supporter today at www.cbf.net/podcastsupport.
Andy Hale is the creator and host of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Podcast. Hale is the Associate Executive Coordinator of CBF North Carolina. He’s also served as CBF’s Church Start Specialist, the founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Clayton, and the senior pastor of University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. Follow on Twitter @haleandy.

