This week, as Ruth, Scott, and Charity examine Scott’s “cover” of Sister Grace Remington’s beautiful painting Mary and Eve, they delve into womanhood, mothering, and the invitation to embrace vulnerability this advent. Why is it so scandalous to talk about God as a mother? What does the vulnerability of God coming into the world as a baby have to teach us about our own vulnerability? How does our obsession with meritocracy (defined in this conversation as the earning of God’s good grace by our deeds, awards, and success) rob us of actual grace and love?

This season, we’ve invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?

Images by Scott Erickson from his book Honest Advent

Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. He is the writer and performer of two one man shows, “We Are Not Troubled Guests”  and his current show, “Say Yes: A Liturgy of Not Giving Up On Yourself”. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent and Say Yes , a Spiritual Director and a professional dishwasher for his food blogging wife. Scott lives in Vancouver, WA and is most loved by his wife Holly and his children Anders, Elsa, and Jones.

Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.

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Listen to other episodes from Season 21 Access past podcast seasons

Mentioned in the episode:
Honest Advent by Scott Erickson

This season will not follow the lectionary readings as closely as past seasons. Scripture for Advent 2023 can be found HERE. If you’d like to listen to our previous season on Cycle B you can go back to Season 11 of the podcast, Advent Reflections (Cycle B).

Music Credit:
Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist
There is Room from Advent Music in Solitude

Support the podcast! This season patrons at all levels will have access to unedited video replays of the episodes and at the $10/month level you will also receive guided Visio Divina practices to accompany the artwork discussed in the episodes.  Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!

The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.