Hope We Hold Blog

EPISODE 10: Suffering Courageously: an interview with Joni Eareckson Tada

Joni Eareckson Tada has survived over 50 years as a quadriplegic, and recently has been battling breast cancer. It is an honor to have a conversation with not only a hero of the Christian faith, but a woman we look up to. Her unique story will inspire and encourage you, unlike anything else you’ve heard before.  

“True maturity, true joy, true contentment, has less to do with a mechanistic assessment of God’s plan and purposes for your life, and more to do with being pushed into, and at times shoved and pressed up against the breast of Jesus Christ until your heart begins beating in rhythm with his.” – J. E.T.

What is the hope you can offer to someone whose life has been turned upside down by disability? What can they hold on to? Mothers or fathers of kids with disabilities, or those disabled themselves?

“When you are decimated by affliction, when you are down for the count, you learn that the Bible’s answers are never meant to be separated from the tender, sweet, holy, precious God of the Bible.” –  J.E.T.

Joni is here to share her moving testimony and Godly wisdom! We hope you listen in and are as uplifted as we both were! 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Why suffering is not for nothing!
  • How to have a healthy, balanced perspective when it comes to walking through your darkest trials.
  • Joni shares her testimony and wisdom that she’s learned over the years.  

Important info: 

Scripture mentioned:

  • John 15

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@hopewehold

@jeremy_vuolo

@jingervuolo

EPISODE 9: Finding Complete Forgiveness

Did you know that real repentance requires both humility and a desire for restoration? 

We all have to deal with forgiveness at some point or other in our lives! Everywhere you look you can see pain, broken relationships, damaged feelings, and damaged people. Maybe you have been feeling this way yourself lately? There is hope and healing even in your deepest, most unfair hurt. Living in resentment, enslaved to bitterness and anger only ends up hurting you.

In the middle of pain, forgiveness can feel like a foreign thought, really an absolute impossibility. But remember the gospel? Christian, God forgave YOU for what you have done to him.

Although the forgiving heart wants reconciliation and peace, we also have to recognize that that’s not always possible. And we don’t automatically move into trusting someone, especially if their hurting us has been a pattern of that sin. Forgiveness and trust are not the same thing.

We can forgive and seek restoration and still be lovingly cautious and careful. How could you not forgive others for what they’ve done to hurt you?

Maybe a better question would be, can you forgive and freely move on to a peaceful, joy-filled life? Listen in to the most recent episode of The Hope We Hold.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The two dimensions to forgiveness that we should understand: relational forgiveness and dispositional forgiveness. 
  • Why you might not be finding it within yourself to forgive!
  • Should we always forgive?

Important info: 

  • If you have any questions you’d like us to discuss on future episodes. Feel free to send them in to CONTACT@hopewehold.com.

Scripture mentioned:

  • Luke 17:3-4
  • Mark 11:25
  • Matthew 18
  • Ephesians 4:32
  • Act 3

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@hopewehold

@jeremy_vuolo

@jingervuolo

EPISODE 8: People Are Interesting

Lately, we’ve been learning a lot! While we haven’t  been married forever — nearly four years — the on-going discovery of one another has been incredibly fun, and quite an adventure. In the book The Meaning of Marriage, there is a quote that stands profoundly out to us, “For marriage, being [the enormous thing it is] means we are not the same person after we have entered it. The primary problem is . . . learning how to love and care for the stranger to whom you find yourself married.” 

How does this same concept apply to every other relationship we have? We are surrounded by incredibly amazing people with stories to tell, journeys to share, wisdom to impart. Are you interested enough to hear them? 

“You are never, never standing in front of a human being who’s not interesting. They are created in the image of God and whether 18, 8 or 80, a thousand interesting things have happened to them. Nobody’s interested in them. Nobody asks them about the interesting stories they have to tell from when they were a kid or how they got that scar on their face or how anything happened to them. Nobody’s interested. What if you were? What if you found them really interesting? You’re a human being created by God! You’re not on this planet by mistake! Things have not happened to you except by the providence of God! If anybody should be interested in other human beings, it should be Christians who believe they’re all created in God’s image and they’re all on the planet for a reason! And just by your interest, you’re communicating you must  think you have something to learn from me? well you bet I do. You are a human being. You are a center of consciousness. You have an access to God that I don’t have. You are different. You’re outside of me.” – John Piper 

Tune in to hear the latest episode of The Hope We Hold: People Are Interesting! 

In this episode we discuss:

  • How life will change you! And why it’s up to us to enjoy that journey of discovery. 
  • Why we need to keep exploring, discovering and searching for one another! 
  • Finding people interesting and how that adds meaning to your own life journey. 

Important info: 

Scripture mentioned:

  • James 3:9 

Follow us on Instagram:

@hopewehold

@jeremy_vuolo

@jingervuolo

EPISODE 7: Is There Hope in Suffering?

In the midst of your darkest times there are beautiful moments to be discovered.

This is an extra special interview for us! Holding on together and treasuring Jesus in the midst of the unimaginable is exactly what our dear friends are here to talk about. When someone is suffering, you can’t genuinely understand how they are feeling until you’ve been in their position, and had to face the fears and trials they are dealing with. Listen in to Isaiah and Danielle’s incredible testimony of faith, and finding peace while going through some of the hardest pain imaginable. God’s people have to go through the furnace if they want to be refined. And the solution to your problems isn’t Christ removing you from your situation, it’s Christ being WITH you in the situation! 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Isaiah and Danielle share the story of their little daughter being diagnosed with cancer. 
  • Finding hope and beautiful moments in the midst of your darkest times.
  • Real, practical, encouragement for anyone experiencing a difficult life circumstance! 

Important info: 

Scripture mentioned:

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 
  • Joshua 1:9

Follow us on Instagram:

@hopewehold

@jeremy_vuolo

@jingervuolo

EPISODE 6: Let’s Talk About Vacation

This life is meant to be enjoyed! Ecclesiastes 9:7-10

We can so easily overwork ourselves and neglect our loved ones – sometimes even our own relationship with God! – in the name of GOOD work. We are parents, friends, employees, employers, pastors, parishioners, and there is the good gospel we want to share with the world. And a LOT to do! When was the last time you took time away from all those great activities to be with the ones you love? Take a minute to recharge, to slow down, to be reacquainted with your loved ones. 

Believe it or not, the Bible actually talks about vacation! Not exactly road trips to a Hilton Head, staying in cheap hotels and eating too much fast food. But it does talk about REST and our need for it! Jesus saw the need for physical rest, even when there were legitimate ministry opportunities abounding. Sometimes it’s easy to “over-spiritualize” our lives and try to be more spiritual than Jesus! In other words, we’re human! Being a workaholic can be incredibly damaging to your loved ones, and to your own relationship with God. Tune in to The Hope We Hold to talk about vacation with us! Tag us on Instagram if you’re listening in. 

 

In this episode we discuss:

  • The biblical place vacation has in your life! 
  • The need for physical rest, even when there are legitimate ministry opportunities abounding.
  • Not neglecting the necessary things in life for good things.

Important info mentioned: 

  • If you have any questions you’d like us to discuss on future episodes. Feel free to send them in to CONTACT@hopewehold.com.

Scripture mentioned:

  • Philippians 2
  • Luke 2:40
  • John 4:6
  • John 19
  • Matthew 4:11
  • Luke 23:26 
  • Luke 23:46 
  • Luke 24:39
  • John 20:20
  • Mark 4:39
  • Mark 6:30-32
  • 1 Tim 3:4-5
  • Ecclesiastes 9:7-10

Follow us on Instagram: 

@hopewehold

@jeremy_vuolo

@jingervuolo

EPISODE 5: Living Worry Free

Is worrying ok for Christians ever? With everything going on in the world, it seems impossible to rest in peace or find relief from the pain that is surrounding us on all sides. What can we do with the emotions that come so naturally from the trials and difficulties that we are faced with? As Christians, we can actually walk anxiety and worry free, finding confidence in Christ Jesus and the promises He has made us. 

Part of preventing being overwhelmed, which leads to stress and anxiety, is setting healthy boundaries. Realigning where your gaze is, and taking a moment to rest, truly REST in the Lord’s forgiving and tender grace. We can walk without fear, we can face our stress and anxiety with the power and confidence we find in Christ Jesus! Join the conversation with us by listening in anywhere podcasts are!
 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Is it OK to worry and feel stressed or anxious? 
  • How your priorities might be affecting your levels of fear. 
  • Where you put your trust will be reflected in your own emotional control! 
  • Are you leaning on the Holy Spirit? How we can trust the Lord and do good instead of despairing. 

Important info mentioned: 

  • If you have any questions you’d like us to discuss on future episodes. Feel free to send them in to CONTACT@hopewehold.com.

Scripture mentioned:

  • Psalm 131 
  • Philippians 2:20
  • Luke 12:22
  • Luke 10:4-6
  • Matt 6:32
  • Matt 6:33
  • Romans 8:28
  • Proverbs 31:25

Follow us on Instagram: 

@hopewehold

@jeremy_vuolo

@jingervuolo

EPISODE 4: Generous like Jesus

Generosity, what does that word even really mean? In the Christian world, our minds might instantly go to money and specifically tithing. Did you know that generosity is actually a spiritual gift? Not only that, it’s a habit all Christians should be practicing on a regular basis, and something that goes far beyond simply donating to your local church. 

Living generously includes giving to people you do not like, who aren’t your friends, and who won’t give anything back in return. When Jesus died on the cross, we were not Jesus’ friends, we were in fact enemies when He gave everything for us. How can we as Christians emulate the generosity shown to us by Jesus Christ’s love? Tune in to our latest episode to learn more! 

In this episode we discuss:

  • What does being generous in a selfish, carefully measured world look like?
  • The spiritual gift of generosity. 
  • Why genuine Christians should be marked by generosity in all things. 

Important info mentioned: 

  • If you have any questions you’d like us to discuss on future episodes. Feel free to send them in to CONTACT@hopewehold.com.

Scripture mentioned:

  • Luke 21:1-4
  • 2 Cor 8
  • 2 Cor 5:14
  • 2 Cor 9:11

Follow us on Instagram: 

@hopewehold

@jeremy_vuolo

@jingervuolo

EPISODE 3: Do you know your neighbors?

What really is hospitality? In today’s fast paced, self-focused world, that word might carry an imminent element of fear or of stress. Opening your home and your hearts to others on a regular basis is really an extension of the invitation we’ve received from Christ into God’s family. Learn more about the life changing concept of hospitality and how to implement it in your own family below. 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Why should we as Christians have an open and willing approach when it comes to hospitality.
  • What hospitality really looks like – does it require a 3 course fancy meal? 
  • The natural tendencies we have to fight against when it comes to opening our home.
  • Why you should have an open door policy for inviting people over who don’t just look, act, or talk like you!

Important info mentioned: 

  • If you have any questions you’d like us to discuss on future episodes. Feel free to send them in to CONTACT@hopewehold.com.

Scripture mentioned:
Acts 20:35 “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Follow us on Instagram:

@hopewehold

@jeremy_vuolo

@jingervuolo

EPISODE 2: The Image of God

These past few weeks have been dark, heavy, and we’re living under the shadow of recent events, including the death of George Floyd. We have been grieving his recent passing and the current state of our country, while discussing what it might look like to honor our brothers and sisters in Christ in response. We want to examine how a Christian worldview ought to shape our response to violence, hatred, and the effects of sin in this life. As you’re grieving—facing injustice, death or pain of any sort—know that there is one who knows. He truly knows. Jesus knows and He cares. He is compassionate, and true compassion is caring, it’s action. We are all made in the image of God, and that becomes even more incredible when we begin to understand just how majestic and holy and powerful and beautiful God is! For Him to care enough about us to make us in His image is not only remarkable, but should leave us breathless. Only Jesus offers the change that is big enough, strong enough, to save us from hatred, abuse, racism…to save us from sin. Join in on the conversation! 

In this episode we discuss:

  • George Floyd’s death, and the recent following events.
  • IMAGO DEI – how it gives dignity to every single person. 
  • As Christians, living in this sin-plagued world, how do we respond?
  • Jesus came to be oppressed, he came to be maligned, he came to be murdered, why? 
  • Rev 5:9-10 “And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
  • What the wonderful HOPE we have in Jesus is. 

Important info mentioned: 

  • If you have any questions you’d like us to discuss on future episodes. Feel free to send them in to CONTACT@hopewehold.com.

Follow us on Instagram: (link these to IG) 

@hopewehold

@jeremy_vuolo

@jingervuolo

EPISODE 1: Why “The Hope We Hold” Podcast?

Jinger and Jeremy invite you to join them in the very first episode of The Hope We Hold podcast!  After searching and praying for a good way to share encouragement, joy, the Hope of Christ, and engage in a meaningful and deep way, we decided to pursue the idea of a podcast. Now, months of prayer and prep later, we can officially invite you to join in this journey with us. Let’s jump into the intro episode! 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Why we started The Hope We Hold Podcast, in depth! 
  • What is hope and how we can keep it in a life that is so uncertain and filled with disappointments, tragedy, and death. 
  • Is hope just wishful thinking? If not, can we redefine that HOPE means? 
  • 2 Cor 4:16-18 – 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Important info mentioned: 

  • If you have any questions you’d like us to discuss on future episodes. Feel free to send them in to CONTACT@hopewehold.com.

Follow us on Instagram: 

@hopewehold

@jeremy_vuolo

@jingervuolo