In this episode, hosts Paul Brandes and Jacob Nannie welcome back guest Jay Stringer, a licensed counselor, researcher, and author. They discuss themes from Jay Stringer's book, Desire focusing on how our desires—especially those surrounding sexuality and brokenness—shape our lives, relationships, and spiritual growth. The conversation unpacks the importance of understanding the roots of our desires rather than simply suppressing or indulging them, inviting listeners to approach their inner struggles with curiosity, honesty, and grace.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Desires Are Not Random—They’re Instructive

Jay Stringer emphasizes that our desires and even our struggles—especially those relating to sexuality—are not arbitrary or meaningless. Instead, they are deeply connected to our personal stories, family dynamics, and past wounds.

2. Honor and Honesty Go Hand-in-Hand

A recurring theme is the importance of holding both honor and honesty together when examining our personal stories and relationships, particularly regarding family of origin.

3. Symptoms and Temptations Are Invitations to Deeper Discipleship

Instead of viewing symptoms (like sexual compulsion, low desire, overeating, etc.) only as problems to be eradicated, Jay Stringer encourages treating them as “holy men”—signals calling for our attention.

Resources:

• 
  Desire: The Longings Inside Us and the New Science of How We Love, Heal, and Grow: Stringer, Jay
• Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing: Stringer, Jay: 9781631466724

Timestamps:

00:03:12 — Jay Stringer discusses why it's important to distinguish between a symptom and the desire behind it, laying the groundwork for understanding sexual brokenness and desire.

00:06:27 — Jay Stringer addresses how to reread biblical stories (like David’s) through the lens of unmet longings and untransformed pain.

00:12:19 — Jay Stringer introduces the concept of holding together "honor and honesty" regarding our personal and family stories as foundational for true healing.

00:16:21 — Jay Stringer shares real-life client examples demonstrating how sexual struggles and desires are often rooted in specific, unresolved early-life wounds.

00:23:50 — Jay Stringer offers pointed, practical questions for listeners to ask themselves in moments of temptation, emphasizing curiosity over accusation.

Keywords

Desire, Sexuality, Sexual brokenness, Symptoms, Healing, Intimacy, Family of origin, Formation

Power and abuse, Honesty and honor, Story and narrative, Curiosity, Temptation, Arousal template, Shame, Transformation, Grief, Protest, Discipleship, Kingdom of God, Neuroscience

Legacy, Therapy, Vulnerability

Loyal Love with Brooks Nesse | POD 066

Introduction:

In this episode of theFormed.life, hosts Jacob Nannie and Jonathan Neef welcome guest

Brooks Nesse to explore the Book of Ruth. Together, they highlight Ruth’s role in Scripture, the theme of hesed (steadfast love), and how God’s character is shown through the everyday actions of Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi. The conversation reflects on faithful love, God’s care for the vulnerable, and how Ruth’s story points to Jesus and shapes our lives today.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. The Transformative Power of Hesed in Ordinary Life:

The Book of Ruth showcases hesed—steadfast, sacrificial love—through the ordinary, generous actions of Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi, reflecting God’s own character.

2. Ruth as a Model of God’s Care for the Vulnerable:

Ruth highlights God’s heart for the vulnerable and marginalized, urging us to embody that care for outsiders, widows, and the needy in our communities today.

3. Boaz and Ruth Foreshadow the Generosity of Christ

The story points forward to Jesus, the ultimate expression of hesed, whose self-giving love redeems and fulfills God’s promise for all people.

Resources:

-Ruth resources from the BibleProject
-A Commentary on Judges and Ruth -Robert Chisholm
-Christ Community Bible Study resources

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Jacob Nannie introduces the focus on the Book of Ruth

00:02:23 - Brooks Nesse explains how Ruth connects the period of the Judges to the monarchy

00:05:56 - Brooks Nesse describes how the law (Torah) shapes the action of the story, and how Boaz models fulfilling the law, linking it directly to God’s character and foreshadowing the mission of Christ.

00:13:13 - Brooks Nesse provides a deep dive into the meaning of "Hesed," why it's hard to translate, and how Ruth and Boaz incarnate this quality

00:32:03 - Jonathan Neef and Brooks Nesse discuss how "Hesed" ultimately points forward to Jesus

Keywords

Ruth, Boaz, Naomi, Judges, Torah, Hesed, steadfast love, loyal love, genealogy, King David, vulnerability, widowhood, poverty, immigration, law, Torah follower, Moabite, outsider, Gentile, redemption, kinsman redeemer, incarnation, Genesis, Proverbs 31, Christ, Jesus, Old Testament, New Testament, faithfulness, generosity, marginalized, character of God, community, outreach, everyday faithfulness, self-sacrifice, hope, redemption narrative

Hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman sit down with the ever-insightful Tom Nelson, to explore an inspiring question: What does hope look like on Easter Monday, when the celebrations fade and we step back into our everyday routines?

Nelson shares candid reflections about his new season in life, including his transition from Lead Senior Pastor to Lead Pastor Coach and his ongoing work with Made to Flourish. The discussion dives into Made to Flourish’s incredible impact over the past decade—connecting thousands of pastors and helping churches bridge the gap between faith, work, and everyday life.

There is exciting news about a new global podcast from Tom Nelson in partnership with Premier Plus, designed to bring “Weekly Wisdom for Your Workplace” right to your Monday morning commute. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at what inspired this project, the heart behind it, and how listeners can stay connected to this work.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Tom’s New Season and Transition:
   Tom Nelson reflected on his transition from lead senior pastor at Christ Community to his current role as Lead Pastoral Coach, where he is focusing on coaching, support, and being a cheerleader for the team. He spoke about feeling lighter, more buoyant, and grateful for the team and the opportunity to support without bearing the weight of primary leadership.
2. Growth and Impact of Made to Flourish:
   The conversation highlighted the national influence and growth of Made to Flourish, a sister organization to Christ Community. Tom Nelson shared impressive updates about their mission to empower pastors and integrate faith, work, and economic wisdom for community flourishing, all springing from Christ Community’s DNA.
3. Global Launch of the “God’s Work” Podcast:
   Nelson now has a partnership with Premier Plus in the UK, launching a new podcast called "God’s Work: Weekly Wisdom for Your Workplace." This podcast aims to help congregants connect Sunday faith to Monday work, releasing short, weekly episodes starting on Easter Monday. It’s geared for both UK and US audiences, and represents a dynamic new way Tom Nelson is sharing wisdom, story, and encouragement about integrating faith and the rhythms of everyday work.

Resources:

• Made to Flourish: https://www.madetoflourish.org/
• Common Good Magazine: https://commongoodmag.com/
• God's Work: Weekly Wisdom for Your Workplace (Podcast): https://www.premier.plus/podcasts

Timestamps:

00:00 "Tom Nelson's New Season"

05:16 "Empowering Pastors for Community Flourishing"

07:49 "Giving Through the Local Church"

10:03 "Partnership Established with Made to Flourish"

13:37 "Family, Friendship, and Quiet Joy"