Behind The Mirror

What do I do now? Finding purpose outside of religion

For most of my life, I chased after my "calling". Believing my purpose was to minister, be a pastor and evangelize was what I thought I was supposed to be about. After all, isn't that the Jesus way? But, after having much of my "callings" stripped away, I realized one's purpose must go deeper.

Having taken another look at Jesus, I realized that to follow his life meant letting go of preconceived ideas of a "calling" or purpose. It asks you to look inward and discover what is really inside and what you are to do with that sacred gift.

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

When dead things rise - the story of nature, of Jesus and of me

I hear many people say that they can't wait to get to heaven - to be in their "forever home" with their forever family. But, if heaven is the ultimate destination, why did Jesus raise Lazarus from the grave? Why did he weep at his tomb? Why did Jesus himself rise from death? No matter how much one says they want to "get to heaven", instinctively we all have a desire to stay here and live; it is built into the fragments of our DNA and our natural instinct.

The story of Jesus isn't merely his death on a cross and his coming back to life - that was the final chapter of a continual picture of dead things coming back to life. The story of a life to the fullest, cups running over and a life filled with more. Of dead hopes being reborn, social stigmas being removed and of things we think we will never see coming to life being reborn. This is the story of nature, the story of Jesus and story of me. 

Anna's website: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Letting go of relationships - when it's time to move on

Whether in a friendship, partnership, spouse or community, sometimes the season changes and it's time to move on. Recognizing when it is time to let go can be difficult - especially if you have experienced any trauma or abuse in your life, you may experience feelings of shame, guilt or fear and often stay in a relationship way past it's expiration date. Learning to embrace a mentality of a God of "more" rather than a God of "lack" was a game changer for me in this area. It freed me from the belief that I had to hoard things from the past out of fear of not having more - and rather it pushed me to be thankful for the relationships from behind while opening myself up to embrace the ones that lie ahead.

Blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

"Take off the grave clothes and let him go"

The story of Lazarus is one that continues to grip me. In this episode, I cover the story of Lazarus, his death and how this Jesus character showed up and wrote a different ending. No matter if your story includes divorce, being LGBTQ, a single parent or anything else that has landed you (or someone you love) on the outside, your story isn't over. Whether you have been outcasted, labeled as dead or pronounced "unclean", I promise there is an alternate ending.  

 

Anna's website: www.justajesusfollwer.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Recent blog: Valuing relationships over theology, culture and loads of other stuff

 

My recent revelation about trauma - abuse, betrayal, triggers and all the things

For most of my life I assumed my reactions to certain things were normal - after all, it's just "how I am". But, lately I've been rather introspective about my reactions. Like what makes me fly off the handle at random or what throws me into panic mode. I started wondering if maybe those reactions weren't all that normal. After a conversation with a wise soul, I had a revelation about childhood trauma that completely changed the game.  It set me on a path to not only identifying why I react certain ways, but how to heal from it (like within 10 minutes).  

Website: www.justajesusfollower.com

The 4 seasons of every person - death, rebirth, drought and preparation

In this episode I talk about the discovery of my inner emotions mirrored in the seasons of winter, spring, summer and fall. I parallel how nature, animals, plants and even the story of Jesus tell the same story of death, rebirth, drought and preparation. All of creation adheres to the natural order of seasons. Humans, however, seem to be the only ones who fight the changing of our personal seasons. I share stories from my own grief and personal winter and how I've learned to embrace and recognize the seasons when they come. 

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Homosexuality and the Christian Faith - with Robert Arnau

I invite seminary graduate Robert Arnau, to talk about homosexuality inside the Christian faith. This is one of my favorite conversations this season. Having preached at many churches, Robert is invited to speak on panels regarding the LGBTQ+faith topics. We discuss his personal journey of trauma in conversion therapy, demonic exorcisms and how he wrestled with the commonly known anti-homosexuality passages in scripture. Robert explains these passages including context and varying interpretations. Our conversation is full of warmth, encouragement and clarity for those wresting on both sides of this subject. 

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Robert Arnau: www.thelatinogaychristian.com

When the church gets it wrong - the truth behind spiritual growth and community

With so much tension inside denominations and churches, I decided to share my own experiences and journey within church. From being a kid in the pew every week to being a lead pastor, I talk about my journey from inside the church to venturing outside. I compare the ideas of community built on an agreed set upon beliefs versus a community built on differences and diversity. This episode includes loads of encouragement for those who have been hurt by their church, considering changing denominations or those who have left church all together. 

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

 

Who are your soulmates? Talking relationships and life changes with Kirby Carol

I invite one of my soulmates onto the show to talk about all things relationships. Kirby is a world traveler, ghost writer and honorary psychologist (at least she writes like one;)). Kirby shares the psychology of change - why we struggle to make big changes even if they're good for us and the shame we often encounter when we change "too much". Included in our chat, is a huge boost of encouragement if you're going through a big change such as divorce, relationship struggles, church exit, faith shift or even friendship issues. Kirby offers loads of wisdom and humor - this is one you don't want to miss!

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Kirby Carol: http://kirbycarol.com/

What love is and isn't

As my faith deconstructed, so did other things. One in particular was my belief about love. I was taught that real love meant laying down your life for someone. But, the practice of laying down my life inside my marriage, friendships and parenting led me to an unhealthy (and rather unhappy) place. In this episode, I share how the foundation of what I thought love was impacted all of my relationships. I equally share how I deconstructed that foundation and built a new one on what love really is and isn't.  

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com