Host Karen Stiller talks with NavPress editor Deborah Sáenz about the Christian publishing industry and her passion for helping writers of colour share their stories

How do we stop striving for approval and rest in God’s grace? This is an ongoing question for many people of faith. Author, pastor and speaker Joyce Koo Dalrymple knows what striving feels like, and how tough it is to stop. In this honest conversation Joyce shares the roots of her striving, her wounds of failure, and her journey to believe God’s grace.  Parables of Grace: A Bible Study on God's Heart for His Children is her latest book in the LifeChange Bible Study Series from NavPress. The prevalence of grace in these colorful stories from Jesus might surprise you. And if you’ve ever thought you were the “bad guy” in the stories, you won’t want to miss this episode.  A post conversation quote from Joyce: “God’s grace flows out of His very nature and extends to every one of us who is open to receive it. As a recipient of such grace and forgiveness, may you cultivate an ever-deepening loving relationship with God, one that causes you to overflow with grace toward others and demonstrate justice and mercy in the world.” After the talk with Karen: “Joyce is so accomplished, she’s a little bit intimidating to think about interviewing, but I didn’t need to worry. Joyce brought her warmth, authenticity and deep honesty about her own journey to this conversation that I think will be a relief to many listeners. It was to me!” Find all Joyce's LifeChange Bible Studies at NavPress.  Books Joyce mentions Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen and Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning. Email Good Books Big Questions at goodbooksbigquestions@gmail.com and give us your feedback. Who is Joyce Koo  Dalrymple? Joyce Koo Dalrymple is a ministry leader, author, and podcast host. She leads Refuge for Strength, a women’s ministry focused on spiritual formation and listening to God in community. She is also the Chief of Content and Engagement at Khora Collective. A former television journalist and attorney, she frequently guest preaches at local churches and speaks at women’s events and retreats. Her books include Women of the New Testament and Jesus' Passion Week. Joyce received a BA from Stanford University, a law degree from Boston College, and an MDiv from Metro Atlanta Seminary. She and her husband Tim have three daughters and live in Philadelphia.  The views and opinions expressed in this recording do not necessarily reflect the positions of NavPress or The Navigators

Do we have to sit with Christians whose politics offend and trouble us? Actually, yes, we should, says author Norm Hubbard. Even if it’s really hard. Norm is the author of More than Christians: Practicing Gospel-Shaped Community with the Language of the Early Church.  Norm didn’t intend to write a book that speaks to the current polarized political climate, but that’s what he did. His suggested solution to the challenges of the day is surprising in simplicity and potentially profound in impact. There’s lots of laughter in this conversation that tackles head on how we get along with fellow Christians whose opinions might alarm us, no matter which side of the political divide you find yourself on.  A post conversation quote from Norm: "We use lots of words to describe the gospel: sin, salvation, grace, eternal life. It's time we add the word, 'family.'” After the talk with Karen: “Clearly, I find Norm funny. An author who can bring a light touch to heavy topics just makes reading and talking about big things so much easier. This is one of those kinds of conversations.”  Find Norm’s book at NavPress.  Email Good Books Big Questions at goodbooksbigquestions@gmail.com and give us your feedback. Who is Norm Hubbard? Norman Hubbard has served on staff with The Navigators collegiate ministries for the past 25 years on seven campuses in the Midwest. He currently works with students in Minneapolis, oversees staff in Wisconsin, and speaks at conferences nationally. Norman has a Master's Degree in Applied Linguistics from Auburn University, and he's currently working on a Masters of Divinity at Denver Seminary. He is the author of three Bible study workbooks. Norman and his wife have children ranging in ages from 25 to 10. The views and opinions expressed in this recording do not necessarily reflect the positions of NavPress or The Navigators

Trailer for Good Books Big Questions: Bold, Loving and Sensible Conversations about Faith with host Karen Stiller is a NavPress podcast featuring its authors and editors.

Do you need to ask God some tough questions? Have you shaken your fist at God or cried out your most honest pain and heartbreak? For Dieula Previlon, the author of Does God See Me? speaking (or maybe even yelling) to God with complete earthy honesty is an important part of how we live with trauma and grief.  Dieula set out to write a book as teacher and guide, pulling on her years of experience working with women in prisons and around the world. To her surprise, she found she was also writing as a fellow traveller through pain and healing. If you’re worried this episode is a downer, don’t be. Joy and laughter are part of the journey and also part of this very honest conversation.  A post-conversation quote from Dieula: “I love books that cause us to wrestle even if we don't come up with answers from the wrestling. I believe asking questions while being curious is a part of the journey. I hope when you listen, you will feel seen and understood. You are not alone in your questions.” After the talk with Karen: “I first met Dieula at a NavPress author retreat where we connected over recent and profound losses, and also an appreciation for the Netflix show Love is Blind. Which goes to prove Dieula’s important point that we can laugh at and with life, while still acknowledging the very real pain some of us go through. Dieula has so much to teach.”  Find Dieula’s book at NavPress.  Visit Dieula’s site and reach out to her with thoughts and questions about her work and this conversation. Find out more about ElevateHerInternational. Books Dieula mentions Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times by Soong-Chan Rah Email Good Books Big Questions at goodbooksbigquestions@gmail.com and give us your feedback. Who is Dieula Previlon? Dieula Previlon is an author, visionary and social entrepreneur. She is the founder and executive director of the non-profit ElevateHer International Ministries and the for-profit business Elevate Life Coaching, Counseling and Consulting. Her vision is to empower women to heal from trauma, to find their purpose, and to flourish. She is also an ordained minister, a licensed counselor, a certified trauma-informed business coach, and leader. Her professional career in these areas spans over 20 years. In this season, she's celebrating her first book: Does God See Me? which is available at every major book store. The views and opinions expressed in this recording do not necessarily reflect the positions of NavPress or The Navigators.

In Episode 1 of Good Books Big Questions, host Karen Stiller talks with author Jared Ayers about his new NavPress book, You Can Trust a God with Scars.

In Episode 2 of Good Books Big Questions, host Karen Stiller talks with NavPress author Kat Armstrong about her new Bible study guides Deserts and Gardens.