I get why so many of you don’t trust the media. 

Having worked in the business for over two decades, it’s impossible for news to be neutral. Why? 

Because ALL of us – me, you, literally every single human on the planet – have inherent biases. Where we come from, how we were raised and our experiences, all influence how we see the world. 

For instance, I was raised in a small midwestern town by two very conservative, Christian parents. It absolutely affects how I see the world. 

So, to say there’s no bias, particularly in the media, would be like saying there’s no heat coming from the sun. We all have bias.

That’s why it’s really on each and every one of us to make sure that at this moment in time, we’re doing a few things: 

• Cross-referencing our sources (I really like Ground News, a news aggregator that points out bias. I’m also a fan of the Associated Press). 

• Having hard conversations and not just listening to our echo chambers that reinforce what we want to see and hear.

• Evaluating whether or not we’re fanning the flames of dissent and divisiveness. 

After the past few weeks of division in our country, let’s adopt this new mantra: DISSENT WITH DECENCY. #DissentWithDecency 

Remember that the person on the other side is a human being, they deserve dignity and respect, regardless of their politics. 

I welcome you to engage with me on my IG page – how can we DISSENT with decency? How can we learn to see people as people, instead of reducing them to their policies?

I need to do better. WE need to do better. Kristin Chenoweth told me something on Episode 56 of my podcast, that really resonated. She said “God gave us TWO ears and ONE mouth.” I’m committed to listening a little more and speaking a little less. 

Which is one more reason I’m taking a summer break from my Podcast. Momma needs to listen. To rest, to be still. But, I’ll still be connecting with YOU either on my IG or through this personal newsletter. 

One more thing…

…all of you make me better. 

The Paula Faris 'Faith & Calling' Podcast

Episode 72 with Tara Leigh Cobble — Imagine having the world sing your praises, celebrate your talent and anticipate your next big thing – all while deep down knowing just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you’re being called to it. That’s the real-life tension this week’s guest found themself in. Their unique journey from singer/songwriter to speaker/teacher comes with a powerful reminder that life is full of surprises. I sit down with Tara Leigh Cobble, speaker, author and the host of a daily podcast called The Bible Recap to discuss the bravery behind letting one door close to honor the stirring for something behind another. Listen Now!

Episode 71 with Jo Saxton 

— 

Ever felt called to something BIG only to discover that "sure thing" didn't quite work out? This episode’s guest has been there, done that and came out on the other side of "utter failure" only to discover something truly powerful: the wreckage of our lives holds great purpose. Jo Saxton is a speaker, author, podcast host, leadership coach, and beloved contributor for CARRY Media. We discuss how failure shaped Jo's current calling and career, why our calling is different than a blueprint, and the B-word: Burnout. This episode will coach you up on why so many of us have it and how the answer to fixing it lies in lowering our expectations. Listen Now!

FARIS FAVORITES

1. As someone who has LONG struggled with thin hair, weak nails and erratic skin, I’m always on the lookout for something to help. I’ve tried everything: pills, powders and a myriad of pricey shampoos. No luck. But, I finally found a collagen powder that I LOVE and works. And, its gritty texture doesn’t ruin my coffee. Y’all – I swear this isn’t an ad. I’m not getting paid. I’ve been using VITAL PROTEINS (from my local Walmart) for about two months and have noticed a massive difference in my nails, skin and hair. I put a scoop in my cup of joe every morning and as I type this, my nails are hitting the keyboard like only strong 💪🏽 nails can do. Photo via walmart.com 

2. GIVEAWAY ALERT! My guest on the podcast this week, Tara Leigh Cobble, the host of the wildly popular podcast THE BIBLE RECAP, is giving away THREE autographed copies of The Bible Recap. Be one of the first to reach out to me via my IG DM’s and you’ll be the lucky winner! I posted a photo of my morning routine a few weeks ago and so many of you get your morning started the same way! It’s been life-changing for me.

3. Hoping to share more in my next newsletter about a very special non-profit my family and I are serving this week, called The Lighthouse Family Retreat, which seeks to strengthen families living through childhood cancer by offering restorative retreats. My family has the privilege and honor of serving a family affected by childhood cancer at a retreat on the coast of Georgia. HERE we are en route! Sometimes the best way to get out of our own way is to serve! “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.