We've been unpacking how curiosity creates connection—how a simple question can open doors to understanding and invite us into each other's lives in meaningful ways. (If you missed it, you can catch up here.) We're taking that idea further because curiosity doesn't stop at connection. Curiosity is the secret sauce that inspires innovation and creates change, not just on a large-scale societal change but on the smallest of scales...ourselves.

When we look back at every great leap forward in history—whether in science, social justice, or culture—has started with one simple but powerful question: What if? Curiosity has always been the spark that ignites transformation. It's the restless wonder that refuses to accept things as they are and instead imagines what could be. When we think about the future—of our communities, our world, and even ourselves—it's clear that curiosity isn't just a helpful trait; it's the driving force behind social change and innovation.

Curiosity Challenges the Status Quo: Social change begins when someone looks at the world and asks, Does it have to be this way? Curiosity invites us to question systems, beliefs, and traditions that may have gone unchallenged for too long. It pushes against complacency and demands a closer look at the injustices woven into society.

Think about the Civil Rights Movement. It was driven by leaders who were curious enough to envision a world where racial equality wasn't just a dream but a reality. Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat wasn't just an act of defiance—it was a question posed to an entire nation: What if everyone was treated with dignity and respect? Curiosity disrupts. It asks hard questions and refuses easy answers. It creates the space where change can take root.

Curiosity Leads to Solving Problems with Creativity: Innovation is born out of curiosity—the desire to solve problems in new and better ways. Every groundbreaking invention started with someone wondering how to make life easier, more efficient, or more beautiful.

Take the story of the printing press. Before Gutenberg's invention, books were hand-copied, limiting access to knowledge. But curiosity led him to ask, What if we could reproduce books quickly? That single question sparked a revolution in education, religion, and culture, bringing knowledge to the masses. Or think about medical breakthroughs—vaccines, surgeries, life-saving treatments—all born from curiosity about how the body works and how it can heal. Curiosity fuels creativity, which in turn fuels solutions that improve lives and communities.

Curiosity Creates New Possibilities for Humanity: The most powerful aspect of curiosity is its ability to envision possibilities we haven't seen yet. It opens doors to futures that don't exist—yet.

Movements for equality rights all began with someone imagining a different kind of world. A world where people are valued, and love wins for everyone, everywhere, and for all time. Curiosity asks us to dream bigger. It doesn't settle for "good enough." It pushes us to create more just, compassionate, and inclusive systems, technologies, and cultures.

And that's the key. At its core, curiosity is hope in action. It's the belief that things can change, that problems can be solved, and that the world can be better. As we look toward the future, the most powerful thing we can do is stay curious. Ask questions. Challenge the way things are. Imagine what could be. After all, every movement that has shaped history began with someone wondering, What if?

And the future? Well, what if it belongs to the curious?

Grace, Peace, and Curiousity…

Sam

We've been unpacking how curiosity creates connection—how a simple question can open doors to understanding and invite us into each other's lives in meaningful ways. (If you missed it, you can catch up here.) We're taking that idea one step further because curiosity doesn't stop at connection. Curiosity is the secret sauce that builds empathy, and empathy is what transforms relationships, communities, and yes, even us.

Here's the thing: empathy starts when we stop assuming we already know someone's story and lean in to listen. Curiosity is the fuel for that listening. It shifts our mindset from "I've got this all figured out" to "Tell me more." Something magical, even holy, happens when we get curious about someone else's pain, joy, or experience. We see the world through their eyes for just a moment, which changes everything.

The question is, then...how do we nurture curiosity and grow our empathy muscles? Well, I'm glad you asked! Here are a few simple practices to get started:

Ask open-ended questions:  Instead of asking questions that can be answered with a quick "yes" or "no," try ones that invite stories. Ask, "What's been on your mind lately?" or "What's something you're passionate about?" or "How did you experience that moment?" These kinds of questions create space for someone to open up, and they're a doorway into their perspective.

Practice the art of pausing: When someone is sharing, resist jumping in with your story or advice. Just…pause...and be silent. Often, the most profound empathy is simply letting someone's words linger before rushing to respond.

Get curious about what's underneath:  When someone's perspective or behavior feels hard to understand, ask yourself: What's behind this? What's their context, their pain, their joy? Curiosity invites us to consider that everyone has a backstory, and it's often more complex than we imagine. (Just like your story is complex).

Start with someone new:  Pick one person this week—someone you don't know well or someone who sees the world differently than you—and get curious. Strike up a conversation, ask about their story, and really listen. Empathy grows one intentional connection at a time.

Engage in "perspective-taking: When reading the news, scrolling social media, or hearing about someone's experience, pause and ask yourself: What might this feel like from their point of view? This mental exercise stretches your ability to hold someone else's experience alongside your own.

Empathy isn't just a nice idea; it's the heartbeat of what makes us human. It's the practice of showing up for one another, holding space for stories that are not our own, and saying, "Your experience matters to me." When curiosity leads to empathy, we stop seeing each other as problems to be solved or positions to be debated. Instead, we see each other as whole people—messy, beautiful, sacred people. And that is where the healing and wholeness begin.

When we commit to being curious, ask questions, and listen to stories, we build empathy. This is how curiosity can turn into compassion—for the person in front of us, the world, and even ourselves.

Grace and Peace,

Sam

With the start of the New Year, I (like many folks) have been thinking about and starting to make (and hopefully sustaining) changes in our lives that will improve them physically, mentally, or spiritually. If that is you, we see you! Making a decision to change is hard, but actually changing...THAT is REALLY hard! (So, if we can help you make those changes, let's talk!) 

As I have been thinking about the changes I hope to make, I've realized something that we all can do to make our relationships better, our work better, our souls better—heck, our whole lives better (not to mention the lives of others around us!) It isn't some complicated 101-step plan, or a series of books to read and memorize, or classes to take, or a prayer/mantra to recite. (Although it might lead you there). It actually isn't complicated or mysterious at all! We all have it already, and it's an almost inexhaustible resource. Wanna know what it is?

CURIOSITY

If you have been keeping up with our journey, you know that one of the most significant issues in New Orleans is DISCONNECTION.  

Read blog post here.

So, the only solution to that issue is CONNECTION. That' 's why here at Just Love - Greater New Orleans, we are making 2025 the Year of Connection! Connection with people, the city we love, the world, and the universe!!! That's great, but the key to beginning to make (and nurturing) all those connections is...you guessed it...CURIOSITY.

Think about it. Every great relationship, every incredible moment of connection, started with someone being curious. When you're curious about someone, you're basically saying, "Hey, you're interesting! I want to know more about you!" It's like rolling out a red carpet for them to be their real, unfiltered self. And that, my friends, is where the magic happens. But here's the thing—most of us spend a lot of time in assumption mode, right? We assume we know someone's story, their beliefs, or why they act the way they do. Curiosity? It kicks assumptions to the curb. It's the thing that says, "Wait a second—what's really going on here?"

In 2025, we're committing to showing up with that kind of curiosity. Whether it's sitting down with a neighbor, collaborating with another organization in New Orleans, or just soaking up the stories of this city, we're going all-in on being curious and encouraging curiosity. We're here to Just Love our Greater New Orleans neighbor's body, mind, and soul—and we believe love starts with being curious. 

So here's your official invitation: What if, this year, you decided to be a little more curious? What if you swapped "I already know" for "Tell me more"? What if you looked at the world—not with a raised eyebrow, but with wide-eyed wonder? Maybe you'll find out something you never knew...or rethink something you always knew...or maybe connect with someone you never knew...or would know..ever! Perhaps you'll discover curiosity is far more than questions or a state of mind. It's a path that connects your world to someone else's world, which allows love to flow freely between (and in) those worlds.  

We're curious to see where this will lead us, and New Orleans, in 2025.  We hope you are curious too!

Grace and Peace,

Sam

When Just Love - Greater New Orleans began in January 2024, we knew we wanted to love our neighbors holistically—body, mind, and soul. The big question is where do we begin? And with who? And how? Over the past year, we’ve begun to answer those questions by developing relationships with the folks of New Orleans. At the heart of every thriving relationship is a simple yet profound truth: being “for” one another.  Being "for" someone starts with listening, which flows into loving, and culminates in a relationship built on mutual support and trust. For the remainder of 2024, we’ll explore how we’ve been #ForThe504 in 2024 and how we’re building on that to create even more healing and wholeness in the year ahead. Last week we highlighted the second stage, Listening.  This week, we wrap up by talking about the third stage to be "for" someone: Building Community.

First, a question.  Have you noticed it? You know, this quiet, aching undercurrent in the world around us? They’re calling it a “loneliness epidemic,” but it’s more than a headline. It’s that feeling of being surrounded by people but still feeling unseen, unknown, disconnected. Statistics are still coming out, but as of right now over 52% of Americans report feeling lonely.  (Depending on the generation, that number could be up to 75%!!!). It's fair to extrapolate and say that at least half of the folks in Greater New Orleans are experiencing loneliness.  

Here’s the thing: loneliness isn’t just a social issue—it’s a spiritual one. Because everything is spiritual. When we’re lonely, we feel cut off from the divine rhythm of life. The flow of connection that reminds us we belong, that we’re part of something bigger. And in a city as alive and vibrant as New Orleans—a city where music, culture, and history pulse through every street—it can feel even heavier to carry that weight of isolation.

Enough with the bad news...here’s the good news: the cure for loneliness isn’t complicated. It’s connection.

New Orleans already knows this, doesn’t it? This is a city that understands the sacredness of gathering. From the joy of a second line parade to neighbors sitting on their porches sharing stories, this place is a masterclass in the art of connection.  Loneliness starts to crack open when we look someone in the eyes and really see them. When we put down our phones, lean into the moment, and ask, “How are you? No, really—how are you?” It’s when we invite someone to share a meal, join a conversation, or simply walk alongside us. When we connect with people, we’re not just sharing time; we’re sharing life. And that’s spiritual. All of it. Every hug, every shared laugh, every moment of sitting in the messy, beautiful reality of being human together. In a city like New Orleans, the answer is already here. It’s in the music that pulls strangers together to dance, in the resilience that rebuilds after storms, in the unspoken agreement that life is richer when lived in community.

One could look at the loneliness epidemic as just a crisis—because it is...but it also could be something else...it’s an invitation. It’s a call to step out, to see the sacred in others, to embrace the connections that are waiting to heal us.  Everything is spiritual. The cure for loneliness isn’t out there somewhere. It’s right here, in the person sitting across from you, waiting to be seen. And in New Orleans, of all places, we have everything we need to create real and lasting connections with the folks here.

Read on to see where (and to who) Building Community has led us in 2024 and where (and to who) we think it's leading us in 2025.

2024.

We've already talked about how listening is an art form. New Orleans invites us to slow down (waaaaay down), to lean in, and to pay attention. It’s the way the jazz musicians sync up without a word, the way a stranger tells you their life story while you’re waiting in some line for something. Here, listening isn’t just hearing—it’s connecting.

And when you listen like that, something sacred happens. You find yourself drawn to unexpected people, forging unexpected relationships. That's because every person we meet is carrying something holy. Their story, perspective, pain, and joy are all infused with the divine. But you won’t see it unless you’re willing to stop to ask, “What’s your story?” and then sit in the stillness long enough to hear the answer. Just Love - Greater New Orleans has done this listening all of 2024 which led to relationships that cross boundaries and communities of folks we didn’t even know were there.

One of those communities is Together New Orleans.  They gather people from all walks of life to address big issues—housing, safety, and education—by listening first, finding solutions to what was heard, and coming together as a community to be that solution.  They heard neighbors' concerns about rising energy costs, power outages during storms, and the need for sustainable solutions. In response, a community formed that created the Community Lighthouse Program, installing solar panels and battery systems at key community hubs to ensure power during storms and emergencies. As that expands, another community focuses on their Community Solar Program, which makes clean, affordable energy accessible to households across the city. It’s a beautiful example of how listening leads to action, which leads to a community that crosses boundaries to create lasting change. It’s a community fueled by the sacred act of connection.

Another community is first-generation Hispanic families in Westwego. For them, learning English is a daunting but vital step toward building a new life. In response, a group of dedicated individuals came together to offer ESL classes, providing language skills and a sense of belonging. Deep relationships and connections are forming through these classes as students and teachers share stories, bridge cultural divides, and build a community rooted in understanding and support. It’s a community fueled by the sacred act of connection.

And then there are the clowns (no, seriously, clowns) in the community of Prescription Joy, who are transforming the way we think about healing and connection in some of the most complicated spaces—hospital rooms. Through their team of professional performers trained as medical clowns, they bring laughter, levity, and a sense of wonder to patients, families, and even healthcare workers. But their impact goes far beyond simple entertainment. For patients, especially children, Prescription Joy offers a much-needed escape from the stress and fear of medical treatments. Laughter becomes a form of medicine, easing anxiety, reducing pain perception, and creating moments of joy in overwhelming environments. For parents and caregivers, those moments of lightness remind them that they’re not alone and that even in the darkest times, there’s room for hope. Healthcare professionals, too, feel the ripple effects of Prescription Joy’s work. In a field marked by long hours and emotional exhaustion, the presence of these clowns lifts spirits and fosters a more compassionate atmosphere. It’s a reminder of the human side of healthcare, reconnecting everyone in the room to the shared experience of being fully present in the moment. By responding with humor and playfulness, they create a safe space where vulnerability can coexist with laughter, where healing isn’t just physical but emotional and spiritual, too. Prescription Joy embodies the belief that even in the most serious circumstances, joy has the power to connect, uplift, and heal.

That’s New Orleans's invitation: to listen with our whole selves, to open up to the unexpected. Because when you do, you find connections you never saw coming. You find that the divine isn’t just in the cathedral or the sanctuary or the mosque or synagogue or temple—it’s in the stranger sitting next to you on the streetcar, in the person in line next to you at PJ's, or in the clink of plates and utensils around a dinner table. These are just some areas we have seen and the sacred act of connection and community in the most unexpected places.

Our mission at Just Love is to love our neighbors holistically—body, mind, and soul. And that work starts by being present, responding with care, and cultivating community.  We are just beginning to listen intently, to love and serve compassionately, and to form unique communities with the diverse folks of New Orleans so they may experience healing and wholeness.  There are so many ways YOU can be a part of this community:

• Check out Together New Orleans and Prescription Joy to learn more about those communities (and maybe partner with them).

• If you want to know more about how we can expand ESL classes, contact us for more details.

• Invest in the Just Love Movement:  Small investments make big differences, so any amount you can invest will allow us to better and more fully serve the folks of New Orleans.

Together, we can continue to find and build connections and community with the folks of New Orleans. We love body, mind, and soul so they can experience healing and wholeness.

2025.

We all know the massive challenges facing New Orleans, which is only made more challenging because of the loneliness epidemic. Challenges are too numerous, too complex, and feel impossible to solve. People feel disconnected, unseen, and adrift. It’s not just a statistic—it’s a reality that’s weighing on hearts in New Orleans and far beyond. But what if the answer isn’t as complicated as we think? What if the solution to these massive, overwhelming problems are actually small?

Enter Micro-Communities (or MC's to make things more simple).

Here’s what that means: people gather in spaces and ways that are deeply connected to their specific neighborhoods, shared interests, or unique circumstances. It’s not about massive movements or grand programs—it’s about a group of neighbors turning an empty lot into a garden, a group of single parents meeting weekly for coffee and encouragement, or a few people in a neighborhood banding together to fix each other’s homes after a storm.  These MC's work because they meet people where they are. They’re tailored to their local context's rhythms, needs, and quirks. And in a city like New Orleans, with its rich tapestry of neighborhoods, cultures, and traditions, MC's just make sense. Challenges and loneliness doesn’t stand a chance in spaces like these. Something sacred happens when people come together around shared meals, goals, or even shared struggles. Connections form. Stories are shared. People start to remember that they belong, that they’re seen, that their lives matter.

We see this in all spiritual traditions. The Buddha said: “Do not underestimate good, thinking it will not affect you. A water pot becomes full by the constant falling of drops. A wise person becomes full of good, even if they gather it little by little.” Jesus frequently used metaphors to illustrate how small beginnings can lead to significant outcomes. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” Humanism celebrates how incremental progress—scientific discoveries, social reforms, or educational efforts—has dramatically improved human well-being. Small steps taken with intention and care contribute to a better future for everyone. Islam values the cumulative power of small, consistent deeds. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.”  In Judaism, the concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world) often highlights the importance of small acts of goodness. The Talmud says: “Whoever saves one life saves the world entire.”  Atheists might draw from concepts like the “butterfly effect” in chaos theory, where small initial conditions can lead to significant outcomes, or biological evolution, where small genetic changes over generations lead to vast diversity in life. Hindu philosophy often reflects on the potential of small acts of devotion and intention to lead to significant spiritual outcomes. The Bhagavad Gita teaches: “No effort in this world is ever lost or wasted. Even a small step towards spirituality will shield you from great fear.”

MC's reflect this ancient wisdom. Small, intentional groups of folks that have the power to transform not just individual lives but entire neighborhoods.  In Greater New Orleans, we think MC's could be the key to solving some of the big challenges of New Orleans and eliminating the loneliness epidemic. They show us that big change doesn’t always come from sweeping initiatives—it starts with a handful of people daring to believe that the sacred can be found in the smallest, most local of spaces.

In 2025, we will be focusing sustaining our existing MC's as well facilitating new MC's in Greater New Orleans.  Here's how you can make small steps to connect to this BIG movement.

• If you are in the Westwego or Central City area, connect with us, and we'll tell you all about the MCs and how you can become a big part of them.

• If you would like to talk about how to start a MC in your area, connect with us and we'll partner with you to see how your MC can make big changes in your community.

• There are several other MC's in development and your investment, one-time or recurring, will help them move from development to deployment.

Together, we can be #4the504 by coming together in small ways to make a big impact in the places we live and work.

When Just Love - Greater New Orleans began in January 2024, we knew we wanted to love our neighbors holistically—body, mind, and soul.  The big question is where do we begin? And with who? And how? Over the past year, we’ve begun to answer those questions by developing relationships with the folks of New Orleans. At the heart of every thriving relationship is a simple yet profound truth: being “for” one another.  Being "for" someone starts with listening, which flows into loving, and culminates in a relationship built on mutual support and trust. For the remainder of 2024, we’ll explore how we’ve been #ForThe504 in 2024 and how we’re building on that to create even more healing and wholeness in the year ahead. Last week we starting with the first step, Listening. This week, we'll talk about the second step to be "for" someone: Loving and Serving.

If you have been lucky, you've experienced a moment when someone truly listened to you. Not just nodding politely, but genuinely hearing your heart, your story, and your struggles. It’s powerful experience, not just for the one being listened to, but the listener as well. Listening is such an important first step in building trust and connection. But what comes next? In the journey of building meaningful connections, the next step after listening is loving and serving. It’s about moving from words to actions, showing others that we are not just present with them, but that we are for them. We'll talk about what that looked like and will look like for Just Love - Greater New Orleans in a bit. First, what loving and serving does and why it's so important.

• Love is a Person:  Listening is great, offering words based on that listening is great, but taking action based out of listening is often the greatest. (You know the old saying, actions often speak louder than words). Let's be honest, It’s one thing to say, “I love my neighbors,” but it’s another thing entirely to show it by meeting a need, showing up consistently, or simply being a safe presence in their life.  Loving and serving is about embodying love. It’s about responding to what we’ve heard and learned during those times of deep listening. It’s about asking, “How can I tangibly reflect love to this person?” When we take time to love and serve someone, we are saying:  “I see you. I hear you. I care about you.”

• Love is a Verb: When we love and serve well, we communicate two life-changing truths: First, I am with you. Life can feel isolating, especially during tough times. By showing up, being present, and walking alongside someone, you remind them they’re not alone. Second, I am for you. Serving someone’s needs, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is a way of saying, “I want to see you thrive.” It’s an investment in their well-being and a declaration that their story matters. To be clear, this approach isn’t about charity or doing things for people in a way that makes them feel like projects. It’s about mutual, authentic relationships where everyone gives and receives, and everyone grows.

• Love is an Art: If we take the time to listen deeply, we'll have a sense of what someone truly needs. Maybe it’s practical help—like groceries or childcare—or maybe it’s something deeper, like emotional support or simply someone to sit with them in their pain. The beauty (and the key) is that it’s never “one size fits all.” It’s contextual...it's personalized. It’s about entering into someone’s world, understanding their needs, and responding with compassion and creativity.

• Love is a Bridge: Loving and serving isn’t the end goal; it’s part of the journey toward building authentic connection and trust. When we love and serve others, we create a bridge—a way to connect hearts and lives.

These are just a few of the things that happens with we love and serve folks, based on deeply listening to them. It’s no longer “us helping them.” It’s neighbors helping neighbors...it's being "with" and "for" one-another. It’s building a community where everyone feels valued and supported. And that? Well, that’s the kind of magic that begins healing and wholeness in a person's life.  Read on to see where (and to who) loving and servng has led us in 2024 and where (and to who) we think it's leading us in 2025.

2024.

This past year, Just Love -Greater New Orleans focused on being with and for our neighbors, not by assuming what they needed, but by listening. Listening allowed us to hear the real stories behind the news headlines and led us to take meaningful, tangible steps forward.

We all know that New Orleans is a city like no other. From the soulful rhythm of jazz to the vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations, it radiates culture, resilience, and community. But beneath its colorful exterior, the people of New Orleans face unique mental health challenges that are deeply intertwined with the city’s history, environment, and social fabric. Here are just some of those unique challenges and how they impact the lives of residents.

• Natural Disasters: New Orleans has faced its share of natural disasters, with Hurricane Katrina being the most devastating in living memory. While the city has rebuilt much of its infrastructure, the mental scars linger.  For many, the trauma of displacement, loss of loved ones, and the stress of rebuilding lives have led to a significant increase in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Community-based mental health programs and local initiatives have been instrumental in providing spaces for people to process their grief, share their stories, and begin to heal.

• Poverty and Inequality: New Orleans is a city of contrasts—cultural richness coexists with economic challenges. High poverty rates and social inequalities create stressors that contribute to mental health struggles, including chronic stress, depression, and substance use disorders. When day-to-day survival is the priority, seeking mental health care can often take a back seat. This reality underscores the need for accessible, affordable mental health resources tailored to the city’s most vulnerable residents.

• Substance Use: Like many cities across the country, New Orleans grapples with the intersection of mental health and substance use. The opioid crisis and alcohol dependency are major issues, often tied to untreated mental health conditions like anxiety or PTSD. What’s particularly challenging is the stigma surrounding these issues, which can prevent people from seeking help. Programs that integrate mental health treatment with substance use recovery are vital for breaking this cycle.

• Access to Care: Access to mental health care remains a significant hurdle in New Orleans. While there are incredible organizations working to fill the gaps, the city still faces a shortage of mental health professionals, barriers related to cost and insurance coverage, and the stigma that keeps people from reaching out.

The mental health challenges in New Orleans are real, but so is the resolve, the tools, and the organizations that address them. While we were listening to the city, we were able to begin to take small, meaningful steps to love and serve the folks of New Orleans through the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI envisions a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares. So, they provide advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.  Here are just a few ways we have partnered with NAMI in 2024 to bring our shared hope into reality.

• Mental Health First Aid Training (Adults): Mental Health First Aid teaches us how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. We learned important information, skills, and tools like identifying common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, identifying common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges, how to interact with a person in crisis, how to connect a person with help, and a deep-dive on trauma, substance use and self-care.

• Mental Health First Aid Training (Youth): Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. We learned important information, skills, and tools like identifying common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in this age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), identifying common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges, how to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis, how to connect the youth with help, and a deep-dive on trauma, substance use, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying.

• NAMI WALKS: A group of Just Love - Greater New Orleans folks participated with 100's of other New Orleanians in NAMIWalks at beautiful Audubon Park.  NAMIWalks was not just any fundraiser, it was the most inspirational, optimistic, meaningful event in town. We DOUBLED our fundraising goal which allows NAMI to continue it’s ongoing free programs, outstanding education and far-reaching advocacy. It was good exercise for not just our bodies, but our minds and our souls. We met so many remarkable people with inspirational stories.  It was amazing to come together as a diverse community through our commitment to “Mental Health For All,” and in that moment, know that no one is alone.

Our mission at Just Love is to love our neighbors holistically—body, mind, and soul. And that work starts by tuning in, being present, and responding with care. We are just beginning to listen intently to love and serve compassionately the folks of New Orleans and their mental health, so they may experience further healing and wholeness.  There are so many ways YOU can be a part of this wonderful collaboration.

• Take the time to look at all the services NAMI offers by visiting HERE.  

• Take part in NAMI's FREE Mental Health First Aid Training: There are several opportunities throughout the year to take part in this training. Reach out to us to find out when they are and we can get you scheduled.

• Invest in the Just Love Movement:  Small investments make big differences, so any amount you can invest will allow us to better and more fully serve the folks of New Orleans.

Together, we can continue to bring healing and wholeness to folks experiencing mental illness we love body, mind, and soul.

2025.

In New Orleans, some challenges go unnoticed yet profoundly shape lives. Two of these challenges—mental health and literacy—are more connected than you might think. For many people in New Orleans, low literacy skills and mental health struggles go hand in hand, creating a cycle of difficulty that’s hard to break. Did you know that roughly 26% of adults in New Orleans have low literacy skills? That’s a staggering statistic, especially when you consider the ways literacy can impact mental health.

• Stress and Shame: Struggling to read or write often leads to feelings of embarrassment or isolation, which can contribute to anxiety and depression.

• Barriers to Care: Many mental health resources, like therapy guides, medication instructions, and even basic health forms, require strong reading skills. Without literacy, navigating the system becomes overwhelming.

• Missed Opportunities:Reading isn’t just practical; it’s a source of joy, knowledge, and escape. For someone facing mental health struggles, a good book can provide comfort and inspiration—or even a lifeline.

Now imagine walking through your neighborhood and spotting a Little Free Library—a small, colorful box filled with books, free for anyone to take or leave. These libraries are popping up across New Orleans, and they’re doing more than just sharing books. They’re creating opportunities. and make a big impact in solving mental health and literacy challenges in New Orleans such as:

• Access for Everyone: There are several locations in New Orleans known as "book deserts" where access to books is limited or non-existent. A Little Free Libraries provide an invaluable resource in those areas where anyone—regardless of income—can grab a book and dive into a new world. For those with low literacy skills, this might be the first step toward improving their reading.

• Reading for Health: Reading has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and even alleviate symptoms of depression. For someone struggling with mental health, finding a book that resonates can feel like having a conversation with a kind and understanding friend.

• Space to Grow: One of the beauties of a Little Free Library is that there’s no pressure or stigma. You don’t need a library card, and no one is tracking what you take. For someone who feels vulnerable about their literacy level, this anonymity can be empowering.

• Reading to Connecting:These libraries often become focal points for neighborhoods, sparking conversations and connections. For people who feel isolated—whether due to mental health struggles or literacy challenges—this sense of community can be transformative.

Little Free Libraries help change lives in New Orleans by the simple act of making books accessible. Imagine a child discovering their love of reading through a donated storybook, or an adult picking up a self-help guide that gives them the tools to seek therapy. That's why in 2025, Just Love - Greater New Orleans, in partnership with several other organizations, will focus on building, stocking, and maintaining Little Free Libraries in key areas of our city. This is how you can join in this amazing opportunity!

• Donate Books: Check out your home library and contribute gently used books for us to use in stocking the Free Little Libraries. Contact us to discuss details and arrange pick-up!

• Build a Library: Setting up one in your neighborhood is easier than you think, and it can become a beacon of hope for those who need it most. The average Free Little Library costs $300 to build, and we have a goal of launching (10) Free Little Libraries in key areas in New Orleans.  

• Stock a Library: It's challenging to stock a Free Little Library through book donations alone, especially given that each library is uniquely stocked for the specific needs in the area. For $50, we fill a Free Little Library with (40) books specifically curated to be of maximum benefit for the folks in that neighborhood.

In New Orleans, where challenges like literacy and mental health intersect, solutions don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Little Free Libraries may seem small, but they hold the power to inspire, educate, and heal. Together, we can be #4the504, making a difference one story, one connection, and one act of kindness at a time.

When Just Love - Greater New Orleans began in January 2024, we knew we wanted to love our neighbors holistically—body, mind, and soul.  The big question is where do we begin?  And with who?  And how?  Over the past year, we’ve begun to answer those questions by developing relationships with the folks of New Orleans.  At the heart of every thriving relationship is a simple yet profound truth: being “for” one another.  Being "for" someone starts with listening, which flows into loving, and culminates in a relationship built on mutual support and trust.  For the remainder of 2024, we’ll explore how we’ve been #ForThe504 in 2024 and how we’re building on that to create even more healing and wholeness in the year ahead. Let’s start with the first step for being "for" someone: listening.

Truly listening goes beyond hearing words; it’s about understanding the heart behind them. It’s the foundation of any strong relationship, paving the way for trust, love, and meaningful connection because it shows folks that we are FOR them.  Did you know there’s more than one way to listen? We’ve learned that listening isn’t just about nodding along while someone talks (although, hey, nodding is a good start). It’s about tuning in, being present, and sometimes hearing what’s not even said out loud. So, here are a few types of listening we practiced.

• Listening to Understand:  This is the "secret sauce" of listening. It’s when you sit down, lean in, and say, “Tell me what’s going on.” No interruptions, no “I have the answer for that,” just pure I’m-here-for-you vibes. The impact? People feel seen and heard—like their story matters (because it does). Whether it’s a neighbor struggling with food insecurity or recovering from a natural disaster, this type of listening creates trust.

• Listening for Needs:  Sometimes, people don’t know exactly what they need—or they don’t feel comfortable saying it. That’s where listening between the lines comes in. Maybe it’s someone casually mentioning they’re worried about their kids having enough to eat, or a neighbor talking about their car troubles when they really mean they’re struggling to get to work. This kind of listening helps us connect the dots and offer real, practical support.

• Listening Without Judgment:  This one’s huge. Everyone needs a safe space to share without fear of side-eyes or unsolicited advice. When we listen without judgment, we create a place where people can be honest about their struggles—whether it’s housing insecurity, job loss, or anything else.  When folks judgement-free listening, they feel empowered to take the next step, knowing someone’s got their back.

• Listening to Celebrate:  Yes, listening isn’t just for heavy conversations! Sometimes, it’s about soaking up the good stuff—like hearing a neighbor share how they finally got a a real place or reconnected with a long-lost family member. Celebratory listening helps us share in the joy and build deeper, more authentic relationships.

These are just a few of the ways we have listened to the folks of New Orleans.  When we truly listen, it transforms relationships. It’s no longer “us helping them.” It’s neighbors helping neighbors...it's being "with" and "for" one-another. It’s building a community where everyone feels valued and supported. And that? Well, that’s the kind of magic that begins healing and wholeness in a person's life. Read on to see where (and to who) listening has led us in 2024 and where (and to who) we think it's leading us in 2025.

2024.

This past year, Just Love-Greater New Orleans focused on being with and for our neighbors, not by assuming what they needed, but by listening. Listening allowed us to hear the real stories behind the news headlines and led us to take meaningful, tangible steps forward.

In New Orleans, if you are listening at all, the challenge of folks experiencing homelessness and all the challenges that come with that experience, are in the news almost every day.  We listened beyond the headlines and began to connect with numerous organizations and individuals who are impacted (or making an impact) with this challenge.  Through listening, we were led to our friends at the Good Samaritan Collab in Central City.

According to the most recent data, 65% of individuals living on the streets were located in the 70112, 70113, 70116, and 70130 zip codes, which encompass neighborhoods such as the French Quarter, Seventh Ward, Central City, and the Central Business District.  One of the several organizations actively working to support individuals experiencing homelessness in Central City and the broader New Orleans area is actually a collaboration of five communities of faith known as the "Good Samaritan Collab".  Started by Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, in partnership with Rayne United Methodist Church, Munholland Methodist Church, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and the Salvation Army, the GSC cares for and works with folks in the Central City area who are experiencing housing, food, and clothing insecurity. Every Tuesday, a healthy meal is provided, gently used clothing are made available, and a voucher for housing at the Salvation Army, along with plenty of love, support, and community.  After getting to know every one, Just Love - Greater New Orleans became an official part of the collaboration.  In 2024, the GSC has served over 2,000 folks with a healthy meal, good clothing, a warm, safe place, and more love, support, and community than can be calculated.

Our mission at Just Love is to love our neighbors holistically—body, mind, and soul. And that work starts by tuning in, being present, and responding with care. We are just beginning to listen intently to the women and men we serve on Tuesday afternoons and deepening our relationships to see how we can be with and for them, so they may experience further healing and wholeness.  There are so many ways YOU can be a part of this wonderful collaboration.

• Join the GSC Team:  Whether it's meal prep, cloths sorting, or people-loving, there is a spot for YOU on the team

• Clean out your closets:  Don't throw those old clothes away...we have a place for them.  The GSC offers both women's and men's clothing, but has a big need for men's clothing.  Check your closets and reach out to us to arrange pick-up.

• Invest in the Movement:  Small investments make big differences.  $25 provided five healthy meals, $50 provides five housing vouchers, and $100 provides five sanitary kits.

Together, we can continue to bring healing and wholeness to these women and men we love body, mind, and soul.

2025.

The experience of being homeless affects people of all ages, but two groups face unique challenges: older adults and youth. For elders, it’s often about navigating health issues or isolation without the stability of a home. For youth, it’s about building a future while carrying the weight of uncertainty and survival. In New Orleans, the numbers are growing, with older adults making up nearly one-third of the homeless population, and youth and young adults among the most vulnerable.

As we look to 2025, it’s clear that caring for these groups requires understanding their specific needs and stepping up as a community.  For older adults, homelessness can feel like a cruel twist in what should be a time of rest and stability. For youth, it can feel like their future is slipping away before it even starts. The first step to helping both is listening—not just to their words but to the deeper stories their circumstances tell us. By understanding their struggles more fully and developing deep relationships, we can be for and with them more fully.

In 2025, we are focusing on these areas for our sisters and brothers experiencing homelessness.

• Health and Wellness Support for Elders:  Many older adults experiencing homelessness struggle with chronic conditions like diabetes or mobility challenges. Partnering with clinics and mobile health units can bring medical care directly to those who need it. Mental health services tailored to aging adults can also help address feelings of isolation and despair.

• Stability and Guidance for Youth:  Young people without homes often lack the support networks needed to navigate adulthood. Mentorship programs can provide guidance, while job training and educational opportunities help them build a brighter future.  Safe spaces like Covenant House New Orleans offer not just shelter but a place for youth to feel cared for and empowered.

• Housing That Fits Their Needs:  Transitional housing programs can address the unique needs of both groups. For elders, this means spaces that accommodate mobility issues and provide stability. For youth, it means environments where they can grow and feel safe.  Partnering more deeply with the Salvation Army and other organization can expand access to emergency and long-term housing solutions.

• Building Connections:  Both groups face isolation, though in different ways. Community meals, social events, and peer support groups can help older adults and youth feel less alone.  Pairing seniors and young people through intergenerational programs can foster mentorship and mutual support.

Caring for our elders and youth means more than providing shelter or meals—it’s about restoring dignity, hope, and belonging. In 2024, partnerships like the Good Samaritan Collab served over 2,000 individuals with food, clothing, and housing support. This work shows what’s possible when a community comes together.  As we move into 2025, let’s build on this momentum. Whether it’s through joining the team, investing, or advocating for systemic change, each of us has a role to play in ensuring New Orleans becomes a place where everyone—young and old—feels valued and supported. Together, we can be #4the504, making a difference one story, one connection, and one act of kindness at a time.

Well...it's been quite the year!!!  Right about this time in 2023, we were about to move and begin the work of Just Love in Greater New Orleans.  It would be impossible to share WHAT happened over the course of the year.  (Don't worry, we are definitely going to share some highlights).  What is possible is to share HOW we have been Just Loving Greater New Orleans this past year.

Whether you are a science person or a spiritual person (or a little of both), relationships are a fundamental part of our reality. In science, we find that every atom, galaxy, eco-system...even the hard-cold data that tells us about all those things exist in relationship with something(s) else.  In spirituality, every prayer/meditation, act of service, interaction...even the sacred writings that guide us, exist in relationship with something(s) else.  One could say that relationships are one of the most or THE most important aspect of...well…everything!

That BIG...too big, really.  So let's zoom in and focus on how we exist in relationship with everything around us..human relationships in particular.  First a question: ever wonder why relationships begin?  What about why they get imbalanced and end?  VERY long (and big...zooming in some more) story short, one could say relationships often falter not because of a lack of effort but because the effort isn’t aligned with the deeper needs of connection for everyone involved. At the heart of every thriving relationship is a simple yet profound truth: being “for” one another.  It starts with listening, flows into loving, and culminates in a relationship built on mutual support and trust.  

• Listening is more than hearing words; it’s about seeking to understand the heart behind them. When someone shares their story, they offer you a glimpse into their world.  When we take time to listen deeply, we lay the foundation for a relationship where the other person feels seen and heard

• Listening naturally leads to love—the feeling and the action. Genuine love seeks to serve, meeting the needs of others in ways that make them feel valued and supported.  Serving one another in relationships isn’t about grand gestures but small, consistent acts communicating care. It’s about being attentive to what the other person needs, not what we think they need.  Loving through serving demonstrates that you are for the other person, willing to invest in their well-being without expecting anything in return.

• When listening and loving become consistent practices, something beautiful happens: a relationship of mutual support and trust takes root. In this kind of relationship, both individuals feel like the other is truly “for” them—a champion of their growth, dreams, and well-being.  When others feel like we’re for them, we cultivate a relationship that is not just about getting but about giving, not just about proximity but about partnership.

For the remainder of 2024, we will share more in-depth insights on these practices. We will also share how we have been #4the504 in 2024 and how we plan to be even more #4the504 in 2025—body, mind, and soul. Our hope is that you will see that the Just Love movement is indeed moving and bringing healing and wholeness to the lives of folks we have encountered and will…encounter.

Disconnection.

Over the course of 2024, we have had countless encounters with individuals, families, business owners, spiritual community leaders, and city officials, listening intently to their stories—their triumphs, challenges, hopes, and longings. In all that listening, we consistently heard four main issues that New Orleans folks face daily.

• Crime and Safety: Despite significant progress, New Orleans faces persistent challenges with crime and public safety, as residents contend with high rates of violent crime that undermine their sense of security. Limited police resources and community trust gaps make implementing effective crime prevention strategies difficult.

• Housing Insecurity: Housing insecurity remains a critical issue in New Orleans, where rising rent costs and a shortage of affordable housing leave many residents struggling to find stable shelter. Persistent effects of past disasters, like Hurricane Katrina, combined with gentrification and economic disparities, have displaced long-standing communities.

• Economic Inequality: Economic insecurity in New Orleans is a persistent issue, with many residents facing limited access to well-paying jobs and opportunities for upward mobility. Systemic inequalities and racial disparities exacerbate the problem, leaving marginalized communities disproportionately affected.

• Loneliness Epidemic:  Contrary to its festive reputation, many New Orleanians face increasing social isolation, exacerbated by economic disparities, housing instability, and lingering effects of the pandemic. Elderly individuals, in particular, struggle with limited access to social resources, while younger generations report feeling disconnected despite being surrounded by the city’s bustling atmosphere. 

These are big issues with complex solutions requiring significant time and resources.  Too big for Just Love to tackle. As we listened, though, it became clear that these challenges are symptoms of something more profound: DISCONNECTION. There’s a gap between city leaders and residents, neighborhoods, business and non-profit communities, and individuals alike and unalike. To move forward, New Orleans doesn’t need plans or policies and the people and resources to put them into effect—but CONNECTION. Real change will come when we all CONNECT to listen, understand, and work toward solutions as one community.  Now, THAT is something Just Love CAN do and is all about.

For the remainder of 2024, we will share deeper insights into the DISCONNECTIONS we have encountered and the CONNECTIONS we facilitated this past year.  We will also offer how we plan to facilitate greater and deeper CONNECTIONS in 2025...body, mind, and soul.  

Connection.

In 2025, Just Love - Greater New Orleans focus will be CONNECTION, guided by two principles.

“Do for ONE what you wish you could do for EVERYONE”

Let’s face it: the challenges in our world, our cities, and even our own lives are huge. They’re complicated, messy, and need way more time and resources than most of us have. It’s easy to look at it all and think, “What’s the point?” That’s when the frustration creeps in, turning into discouragement, and before you know it, we’re all feeling even more disconnected—kind of the opposite of what we need.  But here’s the thing: we don’t have to fix everything. We don’t even have to help a ton of people. We just have to help one. When we (YOU) “do for one what you wish you could do for everyone,” something magical happens. You pour your energy into making a real difference for one person, one family, or one neighbor. And guess what? That one connection often leads to another and then another. Suddenly, that one turns into some, and before you know it, you’re a lot closer to all than you thought you’d ever be.  The bonus is that this is not just about the help you’re giving—it’s about the connection you’re building. It reminds people they matter, and it reminds you that change doesn’t have to start big. It starts with showing up for the person right in front of you.

“Small is the new Big"

It's amazing what we see and can do when focusing on what’s right in front of us. When communities zoom in on their own unique needs, they create these little pockets of change that, when combined, ripple out into something huge. Picture a city where every neighborhood becomes its own hub of activity—tackling housing challenges, improving safety, or just creating spaces where people can hang out and actually feel connected. All those small, local wins add up to a much bigger, better picture.  Afterall, small communities know their stuff. They know the people, the problems, and the opportunities better than anyone. One block might start a trash cleanup crew, while another puts together a community garden or a safe place for kids to play. On their own, these efforts might seem tiny, but when dozens (or even hundreds) of communities are doing their thing? That’s when the whole city starts to feel the impact. Real change happens because people are solving problems where they live instead of waiting for some top-down solution that doesn’t quite fit.  When communities take the lead, this becomes more than a catchy phrase—it’s a roadmap for real progress. It’s not just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about creating pride, ownership, and connection in every community. And as these small victories stack up, they come together like pieces of a puzzle, forming a city that thrives because everyone plays a part. Significant change doesn’t need big gestures—it just needs a lot of small actions by people who care.

For the remainder of 2024, we will share deeper insights into how we have been guided by these principles this past year. We will also offer how we plan to continue our work in 2025—body, mind, and soul.  

For the past several weeks, I began sharing my thoughts on Doubt, how it has impacted the landscape of organized religion, and Doubt's place in the practice of any religion. I last shared that, at least historically in the Christian religion, Doubt is a welcome and needed aspect of maturing our faith. In fact, Doubt is a Doorway to Deeper Faith! Doubt is our companion, every bit as resilient and persistent as faith. Doubt can be a tough but effective teacher and a difficult but faithful friend. When leaned into and nurtured well, Doubt prepares the way for a new kind of faith after (and with) Doubt, a humbled and harmonious faith that expresses itself in love.

These statements are not just rooted in theology but science as well! There has been TONS of scientific research into the stages of faith. These stages suggest faith development mirrors cognitive and moral development, influenced by life experiences, social environments, and personal reflection. For simplicity's sake, we've to dig into a more stripped-down version of how faith grows and evolves, consisting of four stages. You can catch up on the previous posts here... (The Gospel of Doubt, The Simplicity of Doubt & The Complexity of Doubt)

This week, we're digging into the third stage of faith, Perplexity. Perplexity focuses on being honest and authentic. As with everyone, they began their faith journey in Simplicity, ran into some doubts and questions, successfully answered them, and moved to the second stage of Complexity. Once again, they ran into more doubts and questions. Still, instead of finding solutions, they found several solutions and answers, some of which oppose one another and are both true simultaneously. At first, this makes them feel safe and secure again and gives them a new sense of openness and vulnerability. Often, this occurs in Stage One or Stage Two environments, where people struggle to see their perspective positively. (After all, it is challenging their paradigm of Simplicity and Complexity). Over time, folks in Perplexity experience a disregard for their approach to faith. In some instances, the disregard turns into correction and rejection. For someone in Perplexity, this impacts everything. Now, authority figures are fallible people who control the naive. God is now a mystery or even a myth. Faith becomes an obstacle to critical thinking. As with everything, there are strengths and weaknesses at this stage. The strengths of folks in Perplexity are honesty, curiosity, and critical thinking, all of which encourage and question the status quo. Their weaknesses include being aloof, uncommitted, cynical, suspicious, elitist, and depressed.

Like Doubt, Simplicity, and Complexity, we see this stage in the Christian scriptures. In Psalm 22, we see David, a very prominent figure in the Judeo-Christian religion, expressing, in song form, what someone in Perplexity is thinking and feeling. Just under half of the lines of the Psalm are full of doubts and questions that are cynical, angry, and from a place of depression. Here are a few...

·   My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

·   But I am a worm and not human, scorned by others and despised by the people.

·   my mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death.

At the same time, over half of the lines of the Psalms are full of curiosity, clarity, and faith that are so thoughtful, hopeful, and confident. Here are a few...

·   To you they cried and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

·   I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:

·   Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that he has done it.

Here's the super interesting thing: We don't see David expressing his faith experience in Perplexity, but we also see Jesus. Many scholars contend that Jesus, as He was dying on the cross, was singing this Psalm to express doubts and questions: (We see Jesus ask, "Why have you forsaken me God" in Matthew 27:45-47 and Mark 15:33-34). He sang this Psalm to express his hope and faith that God had not forsaken Him. (We see Jesus proclaim, "It is finished," equivalent to "He has done it in John 19:30).

From David and Jesus, we learn that in Perplexity, choice is vital to whether we move forward in our faith or backward. Or maybe another way to say it is...

Perplexity Can Be A Prison or a Passport

Like Doubt, Simplicity, and Complexity, the third stage of Perplexity is necessary for us all. It is also a necessity that we have a faith (and a faith community) that fully accepts and gives us what we need while in that stage while also fully preparing us for the other stages of faith. As we are learning, we are not outgrowing our faith. Instead, we are growing out of one stage of our faith and moving into another. Doubt prepares the way for a new kind of faith after (and with) Doubt, a humbled and harmonious faith that expresses itself in love.

As a person of science and faith (degrees and professional experience in both), I will continue to write about the different stages of faith we experience as humans. Doubt is a vital part of how that faith evolves and matures and how we can be more kind to ourselves and one another as we all make our way through this crazy thing we call life. One of my favorite things to do is sit down with a tasty beverage and chat more deeply about this. We can do that one-on-one or we could do it at the Doubter's Club. Either way, I have no doubts that our conversations will be wonderful.

Grace and Peace,

Sam

A couple weeks back, I began sharing my thoughts on doubt, how it has impacted the landscape of organized religion, and doubt's place in the practice of any religion. I last shared that, at least historically in the Christian religion, doubt is a welcome and needed aspect of maturing our faith. In fact, Doubt is a Doorway to Deeper Faith! Doubt is our companion, every bit as resilient and persistent as faith. Doubt can be a tough but effective teacher and a difficult but faithful friend. When leaned into and nurtured well, doubt prepares the way for a new kind of faith after (and with) doubt, a humbled and harmonious faith that expresses itself in love.

 These statements are not just rooted in theology but science as well! There has been TONS of scientific research into the stages of faith. These stages suggest faith development mirrors cognitive and moral development, influenced by life experiences, social environments, and personal reflection. For simplicity's sake, we've to dig into a more stripped-down version of how faith grows and evolves, consisting of four stages. You can catch up on the previous posts here… (The Gospel of Doubt & The Simplicity of Doubt)

 This week, we're digging into the second stage of faith, Complexity. In Complexity, the focus is on success or achieving a goal. Someone in the second stage of Complexity began their faith journey in Simplicity, ran into some doubts and questions, and successfully answered them. This makes them feel safe and secure (which is what everyone needs to evolve) AND gives them a new sense of independence. For someone in Complexity, this impacts everything. Now, authority figures are more coaches than leaders. God is now an encourager and guide rather than a figure to please. Faith is a means to a desired end rather than assent to required beliefs. As with everything, there are strengths and weaknesses at this stage. The strengths of folks in Complexity are enthusiasm, an eagerness to learn, idealism, and action. Their weaknesses are that they can be superficial, naive, overly pragmatic, and have excessive confidence.

Like Doubt and Simplicity, we see this stage in the Bible...kinda. (After all, things are starting to get...complex...right?). In James 1:2-8, we see James mirroring his brother, Jesus. (Side note, we're pretty sure one of Jesus' core followers was his brother! I don't know about you, but I could do all the stuff Jesus did and still not convince my sister I was anything but a show-off and hogging attention!!! But I digress.) We see James interacting with folks in their various faith journies. First, just like James learned from Jesus, he fully accepts their perspective and gives them what they need to feel seen and heard. Second, James fully invites them, showing there is more to faith and belief than he currently understands. We see that James is teaching us that...

Belief is Complex, But Faith is Simple

Like doubt and the first stage of Simplicity, the second stage and Complexity are necessary for us all. It is also a necessity that we have a faith (and a faith community) that fully accepts and gives us what we need while in that stage while also fully preparing us for the other stages of faith. As we are learning, we are not outgrowing our faith. Instead, we are growing out of one stage of our faith and moving into another one. Doubt prepares the way for a new kind of faith after (and with) doubt, a humbled and harmonious faith that expresses itself in love.

As a person of science and faith (degrees and professional experience in both), I will continue to write about the different stages of faith we experience as humans. Doubt is a vital part of how that faith evolves and matures and how we can be more kind to ourselves and one another as we all make our way through this crazy thing we call life. One of my favorite things to do is sit down with a tasty beverage and chat more deeply about this. We can do that one-on-one or we could do it at the Doubter's Club. Either way, I have no doubts that our conversations will be wonderful.

Grace and Peace,

Sam

A couple weeks back, I began sharing my thoughts on doubt, how it has impacted the landscape of organized religion, and doubt's place in the practice of any religion. I last shared that, at least historically in the Christian religion, doubt is a welcome and needed aspect of maturing our faith. In fact, Doubt is a Doorway to Deeper Faith! Doubt is our companion, every bit as resilient and persistent as faith. Doubt can be a tough but effective teacher and a difficult but faithful friend. When leaned into and nurtured well, doubt prepares the way for a new kind of faith after (and with) doubt, a humbled and harmonious faith that expresses itself in love.

These statements are not just rooted in theology but science as well! There has been TONS of scientific research into the stages of faith. One psychologist who has made a significant impact in the field is James W. Fowler and his "Stages of Faith" model. Fowler's model explores how individuals' faith and spiritual development evolve throughout their lives. Based on developmental psychology, Fowler's theory identifies six stages, where one transcends self-interest for universal compassion. These stages suggest that faith development mirrors cognitive and moral development, influenced by factors such as life experiences, social environments, and personal reflection. There are dozens more researchers that have further developed Fowler's theories, but they all seem to point in the same direction; faith is not a static but a dynamic process that evolves as people grow intellectually and emotionally, and doubt is a significant component in that evolution process.

 For simplicity's sake, we are going to dig into a more stripped-down version of how faith grows and evolves, consisting of four stages. (I prefer not to simplify very complex and nuanced things, but it often helps us grasp a topic that will allow more profound thought and conversation). We will begin with the first stage of faith, which we will simply call...Simplicity. (Apologies for being so derivative...ha). In Simplicity, the focus is on what is right or wrong? What is good or bad? The motive behind this perspective is a drive to please authority figures (God or other higher power primarily, but also a religious leader or the church or group of like-minded folks they are a part of). After all, these leaders (hence "us") are good and right, which will help "us" steer clear of "them" who are wrong and bad. For someone in Simplicity, there is a belief that everything can be known or knowable with easy and direct answers. There is a "You're either with us or against us" and "It's all or nothing" kinda vibe, whether overtly or subtly. As with everything, there are strengths and weaknesses at this stage. The strengths of folks in Simplicity are they are usually highly committed to the point of being willing to sacrifice and suffer for their perspective and their group. The weaknesses are folks can be narrow-minded, judgmental, and combative, and can be willing to inflict suffering on folks that see things differently than them.

Once again, looking through my lens as someone from the Jesus-inspired tradition, just like doubt is found in the Christian bible, we see all the stages of faith, including this first stage. The real insight is that we get to see how Jesus interacts with all of them. Regarding the stage of simplicity, we see an interaction between Jesus and one of his core group of followers, James. In John 20:24-29, Jesus interacts with James in all his Simplistic beauty. We see two things: First, Jesus fully accepts and affirms James understanding of things.. Second, we see Jesus fully preparing James, showing there is more to faith and belief than he currently understands. The lesson that clearly sticks out to me is that Jesus is showing us that...

Simplicity is for Starting, Not for Staying

Like doubt, the first stage of Simplicity is necessary for all of us. (Just like when we were children, we need to know what is hot and could harm.) It is also a necessity that we have a faith (and a faith community) that fully accepts and gives us what we need while in that stage while also fully preparing us for the other stages of faith. The result is that we find that we are not outgrowing our faith at all. Instead, we are growing out of one stage of our faith and moving into another one. Doubt opens the doors and prepares the way for a new kind of faith that is a humbled and harmonious faith that expresses itself in love.

As a person of science and faith (degrees and professional experience in both), I will continue to write about the different stages of faith we experience as humans. Doubt is a vital part of how that faith evolves and matures, and how we can be more kind to ourselves and one another as we all make our way through this crazy thing we call life. One of my favorite things to do is sit down with a tasty beverage and chat more deeply about this. We can do that one-on-one or we could do it at the Doubter's Club (see invite above). Either way, I have no doubts that our conversations will be wonderful.

Grace and Peace,

Sam

It's no secret that more and more people are walking away from religion, especially Christianity. In fact, sixty-five million adults in the United States today have already dropped out of active religious attendance, growing by about 2.7 million more yearly. Their reasons for dropping out are complex, numerous, and somewhat out of anyone's control. However, we know many leave or engage because they begin to doubt God, the Bible, or some of the doctrines and practices required by their churches. Many leave because they start to doubt and question the church, synagogue, or mosque as an institution worthy of their trust and support. This is spilling over into every area of life, where old assumptions are being challenged, not just theology and spirituality.

 Coming out of the Christian tradition, I can't speak for any other tradition, but I will definitely speak for mine. Historically speaking, having and expressing doubts have been a vital (and necessary) part of the Christian tradition since it began, even before! (I won't speak for my Jewish siblings, who the Christian tradition came out of, but it seems to me doubt is a standard and accepted practice in their tradition). We see doubt expressed several times throughout the Christian sacred texts.

We find the most prominent (in my humble opinion) in Matthew's account of Jesus' life. Towards the end of the text, we find Jesus post-coming-back-FROM-THE-DEAD (yeah, that's not normal), who invites his core group of students to meet him on a mountain. (Matthew 28:16-20). First, we see something we would expect. They honored Jesus (which seems appropriate when someone lives a life full of unique events, speaks of a new way of living, dies, and then comes back to life). Second, we see something we would NOT expect. Some of his best students doubted Jesus was the real deal.

Wait...what?!?!? Why would ANYONE doubt after experiencing all of this?!?!?!

 Then the third thing happens—and we really don't expect this—Jesus doesn't say anything about those who are doubting. Neither does Matthew. No one does. What happens instead is Jesus saying, "GO," and then gives his students the big job of teaching other students of Jesus everywhere by showing them how to live this particular and peculiar way of life that Jesus lived, which brought unprecedented healing and wholeness to everyone Jesus encountered.

 And that's what they did: doubts and all, and they changed the landscape of their context, many would say the world. It would almost seem that…Doubt is a Doorway to Deeper Faith

 Here's the thing... there's a difference between doubting God and doubting one's understanding of God, just as there's a difference between trusting God and trusting our understanding of God. So the question is, would we be open and able to doubt our understanding of God while simultaneously trusting God beyond our understanding? Could we see doubt as a companion, every bit as resilient and persistent as faith? That doubt has some things to teach us? That doubt can be a tough but effective teacher and a difficult but faithful friend? When we do, we find out we are not outgrowing our faith. Instead, we are growing out of one stage of our faith and moving into another one. As we are beginning to see, doubt prepares the way for a new kind of faith after (and with) doubt, a humbled and harmonious faith that expresses itself in love.

 As a person of science and faith (degrees and professional experience in both), I will write about the different stages of faith we experience as humans. How doubt is a vital part of how that faith evolves and matures, and how we can be more kind to ourselves and one another as we all make our way through this crazy thing we call life.

Grace and Peace,

Sam

We're sure you have heard the saying, "do unto others as you would have them do to you." This very familiar saying has come to be known as the "Golden Rule." What may not be familiar to you (and maybe shocking) is that Jesus did not invent this saying or rule. The term itself wasn't a thing until about the 17th century when some Anglican theologians coined it. The saying/rule was first seen in the Egyptian culture in 2000 BCE and shows up in almost every ethical/religious tradition that has ever existed.

 Don't worry! Jesus wasn't plagiarizing. Instead, He was doing what He always did. Taking an idea, rule, or social norm and then turning it on its head to give folks a vision for the new way to live life Jesus was revealing to the world. Jesus begins to paint a picture that all is not well with the Golden Rule. He begins to demonstrate that, in many ways, the Golden Rule can be a very self-centered way to live life. After all, if you are doing something because you want someone to reciprocate the same in return or people to affirm you, that's a pretty self-focused way to live. Jesus says the BEST way to live is to do for others without expecting anything in return, even your enemies!

Quite subtly, Jesus offers a new rule, which many call the "Platinum Rule". Do unto others as they would have done to themselves. In other words, treat people how they want to be treated...not how you want to be treated. This seems so subtle, but it's a tectonic shift in how we live our lives. It puts our focus on the other person...their needs, wants, and hopes. It's an empathetic way to live a life that says we want to know the other person's needs, wants, and hopes. It's a posture that allows us to be more selfless, which is what God is like and how God loves. A love that freely gives, expecting nothing in return. A love that seeks to understand us and meet us where we are at.

Jesus is teaching us here that the "Golden Rule" is pretty good! It's a good place to start and is generally a decent way to live. The "Platinum Rule" is better and leads us to a more perfect way to love and live our lives. Our hope is that as we "Just Love Our Neighbors", we will not treat them the way WE want to be treated. Instead, we will treat them as THEY wish to be treated. You will find something far more precious than gold or platinum when you listen, learn, and love folks like this. We know we have.

Grace and Peace,

Sam