Episode 118 Take Two: Tough Conversations with Friends with Stephanie Thole

Engaging conversations on race or sexuality is a hard, holy task.

As Christians, we don’t always do it well, even if our hearts are in the right place.

• Are these conversations the same?
• How are they different?
• Can we advocate justice and unity without endorsing what is not God’s best?
• And how do we do this with our friends?

Stephanie Thole entered into this conversation with extraordinary grace and kindness, and we are thrilled to listen in again.

//: Highlights

• “We were one of the few black families. I remember always being so attracted to all of these white boys. In my mind, I was like, ‘I gotta get rid of this…’ I understood at a very early age that that was not allowed.” —Stephanie Thole
• “I was very much aware at how different I was. That I was ‘other.’” —Stephanie Thole
• “A lot of us have made mistakes, have had hard conversations, have offended the wrong person, and it’s been a painful, awkward experience. Don’t let that stop you. Keep walking.” —Stephanie Thole

//: Do the Next Thing

• For more on this conversation, check out our friends Daniel Hill and Rebecca McLaughlin! They lend their voices well to these issues.
  • The Secular Creed by Rebecca McLaughlin.
  • White Lies by Daniel Hill. 
• You can also listen to our interview with Rebecca McLaughlin here! 
• Have you seen our new favorite Bible yet? Check it out here! 
• Follow Laurie on Instagram for more ministry updates!