176: My Reflections on Love in an Age of Violence · Plus Dr. Stephen Macchia on Intimacy with God in a Noisy World

The Best of You

Dr. Alison Cook

Mental Health, Health & Fitness

4.9 • 959 Ratings

🗓️ 18 September 2025

⏱️ 62 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

When the world feels on fire, how do our souls find rest in God alone? This week’s two-part episode is close to my heart. In the wake of recent violence, I first pause to reflect on what it means to choose love in an age when outrage feels easier. From there, I turn to a conversation with my friend and mentor, Dr. Stephen Macchia. Steve has spent decades guiding people into deeper intimacy with God through practices of silence, prayer, and community. Together we explore the barriers distraction creates, why being truly listened to is so healing, and how slowing down opens space for God’s presence in our lives. This episode is an invitation to lay down outrage, pick up compassion, and step into the quiet spaces where God does His best work. 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here 📚 Books you wont want to miss from Dr. Steven Macchia: Praying the Parables of Jesus by Dr. Steven Macchia Crafting a Rule of Life by Dr. Steven Macchia Here are some other episodes you might like : Episode 75: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress & Anxiety - How to Transform Your Mind Through the Power of Prayer Episode 88: What to Do When Change Stirs up Anxiety, Uncertainty, or Confusion 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Better sleep starts today! Get a birch mattress and test it out for 100 nights risk-free PLUS a discount for being a listener by visiting birchliving.com/BESTOFYOU. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Get 50% off a nightguard at checkout when you code BESTOFYOU at shopremi.com/BESTOFYOU Check out cozyearth.com and use code BESTOFYOU to get 45% off. Sleep cooler, lounge lighter, and embrace your cozy days with Cozy Earth. Head to moshlife.com/BESTOFYOU to save 20% off plus FREE shipping on the Best sellers Trial Pack or theEW plant-based trial pack. *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:34.6	Hey everyone, I'm Dr. Allison, and I'm so glad you're here to discover what brings out the best of you.
0:41.7	This podcast is all about breaking free from painful patterns, mending the past and discovering our true selves in God.
0:49.3	I can't wait to get started as we learn together how to become the best version of who we are with God's help.
0:58.5	Hey, everyone, and welcome back to this week's episode of The Best of You. I'm so glad you're here with me this week.
1:05.2	Because this conversation is a really special one for me personally. And I also think it's one that's going to
1:11.6	minister to you especially as we are dealing with so many hard things right now in our country.
1:17.3	Before we dive in, I do want to pause and acknowledge the complicated emotions so many of us
1:22.7	are carrying after the tragic killing of Charlie Kirk last week. We've seen far too many violent acts in recent years on school campuses and public spaces
1:33.7	in universities, and it's absolutely tragic.
1:38.0	Real people are hurting in your lives, in my life.
1:42.2	Maybe people are hurting for different reasons, but people are hurting.
1:46.1	And moments like these remind me that our work, yours and mine, as soul menders, really
1:50.8	matters. Our work on the podcast here together and everything I do is to help you cultivate
1:56.1	a healthy soul, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. And as we become healthy souls, you and me together in
	...

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