New Reality in Belonging - Cami Beecroft Man No. 110

This is the second of a series of podcast episodes that are introducing to the world a new doctorate of ministry (DMin) study cohort to be hosted at Western Theological Seminary. The title of this series shares the name of the study cohort, "A New Reality in Belonging: Contemplation and Justice for All God's People." More information about the program of study can be found at https://contemplationandjustice.westernsem.edu. In this episode Cami Beecroft Mann offers a reading from the late Dr. Barbara A. Holmes’ Crisis Contemplation: Healing the Wounded Village, describing lament as risky speech that challenges power, stitches neighbors together, and becomes prayer when words fail. Cami defines lament as honest sorrow that breaks facades, decenters heroic control, and makes space for hope and praise. Cami is joined by Keith Reynolds, Michelle Loyd-Paige, and Josh Banner who each offer their own understanding of the Holmes reading. They discuss gospel music, justice work, and resisting shallow reconciliation that skips naming disunity. Cami mentions launching a nonprofit, The Center of Sorrow.

You can learn more about Cami at https://www.physiodivina.com Michelle and her upcoming Fresh Anointing Conference at https://www.preachsista.org
Keith can be followed on Instagram to learn more about this pending church plant
Josh Banner: www.theinvitationcenter.org Please consider a one time or monthly donation to support this podcast: https://theinvitationcenter.org/donations 

Josh can be reached directly at this link and is available for one on one or group spiritual direction, to create and facilitate retreats, to teach or consult for your church or organization on topics ranging from spiritual formation, contemplative spirituality, and racial justice. 00:00 Holy Tears of Lament 00:50 Podcast Welcome and Vision 03:06 Lectio Divina as Practice 06:10 Introducing Michelle and Cammie 11:50 Gathering in Gratitude 13:50 Why Lament Matters Now 17:00 Barbara Holmes Reading 20:16 Defining Lament Together 23:00 Gospel Music and Shared Grief 26:15 Hero Stories and Personal Lament 31:13 Creating Space for Sorrow 35:29 Lament Praise and Hope 42:46 Reconciliation Without Lament 44:23 Risky Speech and Prophetic Church 47:47 Trust the Lament 49:05 Grief Is Not Linear 49:55 Remain With Me 51:11 Presence Over Fixing 52:32 Conversation ends 53:42 Josh’s invites listeners to mediation in response to the episode 55:13 Closing thoughts about the DMin