In today’s poignant episode of the Resilience in the Pews series, we delve into the profound experiences captured in Jenai Auman's book, Othered: Finding Belonging with the God Who Pursues the Hurt, Harmed, and Marginalized.
Jenai’s work stands out for its raw and revealing examination of what it means to feel 'othered' within the context of faith communities.
In this episode, Jenai defines what it means to be ‘othered’ and discusses the significant role of naming one's ache as a crucial step towards healing. She challenges listeners to confront and call out the misuse of power, as she reflects on how such dynamics are antithetical to the teachings and actions of Jesus, who championed the cause of the marginalized.
Furthermore, Jenai shares why it is crucial to create spaces for lament and the importance of prophetic voices in today’s churches.
Listeners will also gain insights into dealing with cognitive dissonance between preached values and observed behaviors within their communities, and receive practical advice for those currently feeling 'othered.'
Tune in to this transformative discussion that not only highlights the challenges within faith communities but also provides hope and pathways towards a more inclusive and empathetic church environment.
Bio: Jenai Auman is a Filipina American writer and artist. She draws from her years in church leadership as well as her trauma-informed training to write on healing, hope, and the way forward. She is passionate about providing language so readers can find a faith that frees. She received her bachelor's degree in behavioral health science and is currently pursuing a master's in spiritual formation at Northeastern Seminary. Jenai lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, Tyler, and their sons, Quinn and Graham.
Find Jenai on Instagram or substack.
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