Episode 6 :: Simply Stories Podcast :: Sarah Stewart Holland & Beth Silvers of Pantsuit Politics

Today I am honored to share my conversation with two incredible women, Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland. Sarah and Beth are the co-hosts of the bi-partisan political podcast Pantsuit Politics and the co-authors of the book I Think You’re Wrong, but I’m Listening: A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations. Sarah and Beth are committed to creating a space to talk through the hard things that are surrounding us in grace-filled and nuanced ways.

Personally? Even breathing the word politics feels absolutely terrifying to me. However, in this current world we are living in, I feel more and more convinced that if we as Believers, no, just human beings, do not engage in some form of understanding of what is surrounding us, we lose the ability to walk in the process with our fellow citizens as well as miss much of the pain of our fellow humans.

At the time of recording this episode, we had NO concept of the political storm that was coming when we had this conversation, but my stars, things have taken quite the shift in America. and I cannot stress enough how helpful their podcast and their newsbriefs on social media have been as I try to understand exactly what’s going on. Those resources they mentioned for how to gather news and decide for yourself how to feel or how to respond are listed in the show notes below.

You may be like I have always been and think “Emily, that’s great, but why do I need to care about politics? Why should I be informed at all?” And I’m not saying you need to become a news junkie, I certainly have not done that, but as my friend Stephanie and I discussed this summer, there is much happening in the world and in our country that really impacts people and if we don’t know what’s going on, how we can listen to their story with deeper empathy and how can we speak the Gospel into their pain if we don’t have context for it?

I know this is hard stuff, you guys. Believe me. But people matter, it isn’t about the politics per say, its about being willing to walk in the hard with our neighbors.

I love this quote from their book that says this:

“Whatever the source of our individual values, politics should take a back seat to the care we demonstrate for one another. We can work for issues, enthusiastically support candidates, and cast our votes knowing they matter. Simultaneously, we can take care of our ourselves and each other in the process, finding a sense of peace no matter how the political winds end up blowing.”

One last thing I want to say, is I would HIGHLY recommend their book. It is not about politics and specific agendas at all, it is literally a guide to grace filled conversation about hard things. As you head into the holiday season with this insane political upheaval happening around us, an election year in the making, and you approach the various tables in your sphere of influence, couldn’t we all use some reminding about the people behind the stories and experiences that surround us? We have to got to remember that we may not always agree, and we won’t, that’s not how humanity works, but we can be better humans to one another. You matter, friend. And so does your neighbor.

In keeping with my little tradition for non-fiction guests on the podcast, I’ve made a playlist! I think this might be one of my favorites so far… It is full of songs that always sing compassion into my soul.

Resources:

Enneagram Types :: One / Two

Pedro and AIDS and “The Real World”

Emerge Kentucky

OJ Simpson // You also can see “The People vs. OJ Simpson”

Clarence Thomas

I Think You’re Wrong But I’m Listening: A Guide to Grace Filled Political Conversations (affiliate link)

“A League of Their Own”- “Of course its hard. That’s what makes it so great.”

One and two of many articles in reference to families being shifted by certain news outlets.

My original #metoo post from instagram

Kavanaugh

Rachel Held Evans