Sacred Dissonance with Liz Mall

Elizabeth Mall is on the podcast today!  Liz is a mom of three young kids and host of the podcast 'Deconstructing the Myth.' She recently completed her masters degree in Christian Apologetics  not to defend her faith, but to search for what is good, true, and worth holding onto. Kendall and Liz explore the difference between deconstruction as a process of personal growth and deconstruction as a destructive act. Liz shares her experiences growing up in a Methodist church and finding sanctuary in the church building. She also discusses her current views on church and the sacredness she finds in deep conversations and connections with others.
This episode explores the importance of being present in the messy moments of life and finding meaning in the dissonance. Liz shares her journey of rediscovering faith and the shift in her understanding of God's grace. They also discuss the themes of acceptance, curiosity, and the power of lived experiences. Liz opens up about her struggles with body image and the impact of purity culture on her self-perception. The conversation concludes with a letter to love, reflecting on the need to love oneself and the importance of deep connection with others.

Takeaways

Deconstruction can be a personal journey of growth and self-discovery, rather than a destructive act.
Apologetics can be a tool for personal inquiry and searching for truth, rather than a means to prove one's faith to others.
Finding sanctuary in a church can be a personal and individual experience, but it can also be found outside of traditional church spaces.
Deep conversations and connections with others can be a sacred and transformative experience.
Seeing the goodness and love in others, regardless of their beliefs, can be a powerful and sacred experience. Deconstructing faith involves questioning and reevaluating beliefs, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself and spirituality.
Being present in the messy moments of life and embracing the dissonance can lead to profound growth and a more meaningful experience.
Accepting the unacceptable and surrendering to life's circumstances can bring a sense of peace and allow for personal transformation.
Curiosity and a willingness to explore the unknown can lead to new insights and a deeper connection with oneself and others.
Purity culture and societal expectations can have a profound impact on body image and self-perception, requiring intentional work to cultivate self-love and acceptance.

Liz's links:
Deconstructing the Myth Podcast
Here's the powerful episode we talk about with Frank Rogers Jr
Liz's Instagram: @desconstructingthemyth