SPiritual and Emotional health - 2023 talks

How can we find strength by embracing our weaknesses? Owen Lynch shares about the choices he has faced in dealing with imperfections and needing to decide between denial and defensiveness or acceptance and vulnerability. Jesus told the story of the son whose admission of weakness led to stronger connection with his father than the son who claimed to have done everything right. What difference could it make to be honest about weakness with ourselves, God and someone we trust?

How does it help us to deal with pain and loss? Owen Lynch looks at some of the effects that loss-bringing change can have on us, from adjustments in work and family life to the death of someone close. Psalms in the Bible can reflect some of our feelings and direct our attention to God for sharing them. Can we find hope in a relationship with God that brings to life Jesus’ ultimate confrontation with death itself?

How can it be good to accept some limitations in life instead of striving to overcome them all? Owen Lynch looks at how this has applied to him and, maybe surprisingly, takes Jesus as an example of someone whose choice to live within limits may have set us a good pattern for a healthy life.

How are we shaped by our family histories, and what can we do about this? Owen Lynch looks at repeating patterns of behaviour in himself and his own family, as well as stories of families shared in the Bible. Jesus offered another way of life he described as being “born again” - but what does this mean for us?

What do we need for healthy spiritual and emotional life? Owen Lynch looks at the links between spiritual and emotional health, what we see happening on our surfaces and what might be going on beneath. What can we do to get a better understanding of what’s formed us and how can we deal with stress, pain and - when needed - change?