Spirituality Matters with Rev Karla

Preparing to Receive the Holy

In this episode, Rev Karla invites you to explore the many religious holidays happening this time of year, not just your own. And this isn't to say not to celebrate Christmas, or the celebration of your choosing, but to pause and make room for all the spiritual paths. We say Happy Holidays to include all religions, not to exclude a single one. There is room for all of us here, and there is no war on Christmas. Rev Karla finishes the episode by answering the question: Do we need His authority or approval to do anything? This question was in reference to Pope Francis endorsing same-sex marriage. You can read more on this topic from Rev Karla on her blog post. 

More resources on religious holidays for the this episode include: Interfaith Calendar 2020, 14 Religious Holidays Believers Celebrate in December, December Religious Holidays, What is Ashura?

Spiritual Reset 2021

In this episode, Rev Karla invites you to reflect on 2020 with a Spiritual Reset. She begins the reflection by explaining the flight, fright, freeze, or fawn response one might have to a threat like a global pandemic. We have to address this to be able to set intentional goals to rebalance our heart mind and soul connection and have spiritual growth in the new year. We wrap up the episode with the question: How can I say I am spiritual if I am associated with a religion? You can read more from Rev Karla on this topic in her blog post. 

More resources for this episode include: What is Cortisol?, How to Increase Serotonin, The Golden Rule

Gratitude Journey

In this Episode, Rev Karla invites you on a Gratitude Journey. How is gratitude showing up in your life? This Thanksgiving season may look different for many of us than it has in the past. Rev Karla talks you through a 5-day contemplative practice to consider what is arising for you and how it feeds your soul. You can listen day-by-day, or all at once, you can sit, walk or dance while you listen, but you may want to keep a journal nearby to write down your thoughts and answer some questions.

7:37 Day 1: We start with The Gratitude Journal as a way to develop healthy habits and better health for peace of mind. Rev Karla invites you to explore our capacity to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives and how we can do it more frequently. 

11:13 Day 2: We look for Blessings in the Gathering and how we can expand our expressions of gratitude to allow the heart to be fully open and grateful for those who will be celebrating the holidays with you.

17:04 Day 3: We explore the importance of showing up as your authentic self. Are you being seen for who you really are by the people you surround yourself with?

20:47 Day 4: There can be chaos and pain in seeing your family for the holidays, but you can Guard Your Heart While Extending Grace. Set boundaries to help you heal and work forwards forgiveness. 

28:31 Day5: The path to gratitude must run through humility. We can smooth our rough edges to align with our inward journey. Rev Karla references a song by Nicole Nordeman here. 

Visit numasoul.com to read this week's blog post.

Holy in the Everyday

In this episode of Spirituality Matters, Rev Karla asks, is heaven on earth possible? What would that look like for you? Would Jesus approach this in a political way? Rev Karla encourages you to ask yourself in what ways you are helping to create heaven on earth. You can read more on this topic from Rev Karla in her blog post.

A Name by No Other Name

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses the many different ways God has been described throughout history and across religions. Who is God? What is the definition of God for you? Is God male or female? Is God even mentioned in the Bible? Rev Karla discusses how God has been portrayed as an elder white man many times throughout Hollywood, and how great it was to see Octavia Spencer change that in The Shack. Rev Karla argues that replacement theology certainly played a role in the many names for God across religions. She also mentions a few of her favorite mystics and their views on God including John Henson, Julian Norwich and St. Anselm. You can read more from Rev Karla on this topic in her blog post.

Rev Karla recites part of The Canticle of Creation by St. Francis of Assisi as a reference of many names for God. She also notes several times in the Bible that God is referenced as something other than the masculine figure Hollywood shows us:

Hosea (11:3-4,13:8) God is described as a mother and a mother bear.  

Deuteronomy (32:18) God gives birth. 

Isaiah (49:15) God is a pregnant woman crying out in pain. 

Jeremiah (44:25), Queen of Heaven. 

Matthew (23:37) a Mother Hen. 

Proverbs as Lady Wisdom

Luke (15:8-10) a woman looking for her lost coin. 

Deuteronomy (32:11-12) says, God will care for us just as a mother eagle 

Rev Karla would like you to check out some of her favorites on TikTok for more open discussion on what God can mean for different people. There is no wrong way to welcome God in your life, there is room for you at this table. 

@chosenfamilychurch, @revbrandanrobertson, @almostpastor, @pastordrewingram, @revcharlesgiv, @goodshepherdabq, @wisdoldllamaman, @holytrinitywenonah, @kelleyatgrace

You Worship Jesus with That Mouth?

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses the hateful language often spewed by Christians in an attempt to condemn others for their spirituality. She explains how this behavior is inherently un-Christian, sinful, and plays a role in people leaving church or organized religion altogether. Rev Karla includes tips on how to respond to this language, and asks you to analyze the language you use towards others. She reminds us that there are many paths to God, just in Christianity alone, and all of them are sacred. Rev Karla wraps up the episode as she answers the question: Why aren't you afraid of other religions? You can read more from Rev Karla on this topic in her blog post.

Honoring What Was

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses Halloween, All Saint's Day, All Soul's Day, Samhain, and the intersection of many religions and spiritual practices in this last week of October and into November with these sacred holidays. You are encouraged to grab a journal for this episode as we explore sorrow, grief and loss that arises in these celebrations as we move into the darkness of the season. Rev Karla answers the question: Do you have any tips for dealing with religious trauma? She also covers this topic frequently in TikTok videos if you would like to know more on how to heal from religious trauma. You can read more on this topic from Rev Karla in her blog post.

References for this episode include: The History and Traditions behind All Saint's Day, information on some of her favorite Saints, and how some saints became martyrs after death. Rev Karla talks about her favorite Saints and biblical inspirations including St. Patrick, The Apostles, and Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Desmond Tutu and Mother Teresa are also inspirations to Rev Karla.

Rev Karla also references learnreligions.com many times in this episode as well and encourages you to explore there to learn more about world religions. 

Is That God Speaking to Me?

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses how our souls speak to God. She invites you to look at the way you pray and what you pray for. Prayer can be many things – chanting, painting, a meditative walk. What does your soul need to connect to the Holy? Rev Karla answers the question: How can a relationship work with different religious/spiritual views? You can read more on this topic from Rev Karla in her blog post. 

The Bible Doesn’t Say That

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses some harmful phrases used in religion. "Everything happens for a reason." "God must have needed an angel." "God helps those who help themselves." If you have ever heard these phrases, you may have thought it was scripture – they're not. Rev Karla dissects these phrases and just how unhelpful and even hurtful they can be, especially when directed at someone who is grieving or struggling. Rev Karla answer a big question in this episode: Are you pro-life or pro-choice? You can read more from Rev Karla on this topic in her blog post.

Resources for this episode include: 11 Things You Think Are in The Bible, but Really Aren't, 5 Christian Phrases That Aren't in the Bible, 7 Phrases Christians Like to Say That Aren't Biblical, 64 of the Worst Things Ever Said to a Griever, Dumb Things People Say from the Hospice Foundation, The political abortion scandal referenced in this episode, and Half Truths by Adam Hamilton.

Being Spiritual in a Religious World

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses the challenges of being spiritual in a religious world. But remember, Beloved, your spiritual path is between you and God, it is sacred and unique, and is not contingent upon anyone else's approval. Rev Karla also answers the question: "Can you elaborate on what religious trauma is?" You can read more from Rev Karla on this topic in her blog post.

Rev Karla's resources discussed in the episode include: People Leaving Church, How Many Christians Worldwide?, Spiritual but not Religious, Father Richard Rohr and his Newsletter, Mirabai Starr and her writing in Fr. Richard's Newsletter, Wayne Teasdale, Adam Bucko and his writing in Fr. Richard's Newsletter, Religious Trauma, Leaving the Fold by Dr. Winell