Weave & Cleave (The Faithful City)

How do we co-journey with others who have experienced trauma and its effects? We prepare. We reflect and receive and ready ourselves for grace, acceptance, and unconditional love. This produces a capacity for endurance over performance and faithfulness over productivity.

Dr. Sanghoon Yoo, gives the history of The Faithful City, the discipleship group he founded with ASU students twenty years ago. Integrate faith, science, and trauma-informed principles, add patience, humility, and sensitivity, and a movement of faithfulness is born.

Domingo Arambula, Arizona State Rep & Team Lead for Celebrate Recovery talks about facing people pleasing, establishing boundaries, and living in the victor’s mentality. He gives all the credit to his relationship with Jesus. Listen as Domingo shares his passion for helping others by inviting everyone to the table, offering a safe place, and letting people know they belong.

Jad and Jamie Levi, pastors of Trinitas Church in Phoenix, Arizona, realized they didn’t need a physical location to be the church. They have a unique model for creating communities on mission and bringing heaven to earth, empowering people to extend ministry right where they are. Already invested in the work of engaging people with big T and little t trauma, the Levis found trauma-informed training offered them a better framework and language for why and how they do what they do.

The Maricopa County Public Health Department is the third largest in the country, so when Tracy Cruickshank began dreaming about connecting faith leaders with substance use prevention and recovery training, it was no small undertaking. She met Sanghoon Yoo, and together, The Belonging Project began to take shape. What does a fruitful collaboration require, particularly between faith communities and government agencies? Trust - first and foremost.

Jesse Kohler, Executive Director of CTIPP, shares the beginnings of the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice, including the vision, the hope, and the dream. CTIPP is a national organization that supports the work of both government and organizations. Listen to this episode for more on policy change and bringing trauma-informed to your community, then head over to CTIPP.org for practical resources to help you implement trauma-informed practices today.

Sheridan Correa shares her incredible story of childhood wounds, inner turmoil, unresolved pain, and eventually, belonging. Her journey toward wholeness and transformation may sound different from yours, but the obstacles of perfectionism, performance, and people pleasing will likely sound familiar. This vulnerable episode is sure to captivate. **Be advised, this episode mentions suicide and substance use.

Being, Doing, and Belonging. Where does Becoming fit in? This episode goes deep as Dr. Sanghoon Yoo and Michelle Stiffler chat about the inner self, growth, goals, outcomes, and the countercultural ways of Jesus and His Spirit. If the growth mindset has ever made you anxious, this episode offers a different perspective. Becoming shouldn't feel stressful. Listen in.

You're excited about trauma-informed care and you want next steps. You want training, resources, and a way to get involved. This episode is for you! As a bonus, this episode highlights conference feedback. As an extra, EXTRA bonus, Dr. Sanghoon Yoo and Michelle Stiffler venture into unpopular territory, distinguishing safety from familiarity and comfort (because let's be honest, humans like to define safety as a comfortable, familiar place, and it's about time we venture out of that tiny box!)

If you coach, mentor, help, serve, or support people, you need these three stages on the discipleship continuum. Spoiler: Process and community are a big piece of each one. If you're working on becoming more like Jesus, you need these three stages, too. Listen in as Sanghoon Yoo simplifies the contemplative actions of a trauma-informed disciple and a trauma-informed disciple maker.

What does a trauma-informed community of co-journeyers look like? Sanghoon Yoo offers 3 Cs - principles to practice that make a real difference. First: Challenges. Yep, the conversation goes deep fast, going beyond acknowledging challenges as the human condition and straight into accepting challenges without shame. What are the other elements? Listen in!

Pastor Yoo defines the last 3 values of S.H.I.N.E. while providing texture from twenty years of multi-ethnic ministry at ASU. Just as trauma can shatter lives, it can also shift perspectives. Humility finds a place to take root and grow. Similarly, differences can create division, but when humility enters, so does wholeness and unity.

Who doesn't love a helpful acronym?! Join Paster Yoo for S.H.I.N.E. and the 5 values that will get you thinking broadly about being a disciple who makes disciples. This conversation lends structure to the holistic lifestyle required for those who offer constant care with a trauma-informed lens.

Pastor Aubrey Barnwell at First New Life Church in Phoenix, AZ, wanted to go beyond implementing the principles of The Belonging Project - he wanted belonging to be part of his church's DNA. Katrina Harrell, parishoner, licensed therapist, and Director of Mental Health at First New Life, assured him belonging was already a dominant trait at FNL. Join us as we talk with Barnwell and Harrell about the ways FNL is hospitable to those who don't always find places to belong, how our experiences shape our hospitality, and the immeasurable importance of transparency (with ourselves and with others) in feeling at home and helping others feel comfortable, too.

What is worship? Culturally, worship is often synonomous with music, instruments, and being in a church building with a leader to guide the experience. Corporate worship is important in the Christian faith. (MELT worship has a long history within The Faithful City, and it's making a resurgance.) But what about private worship? For those in or coming out of a traumatic season or recovery process, a private practice of worship is paramount for rest, resilience, and eventually, healing. What are the elements of a private worship practice? Listen in as Sanghoon Yoo and Michelle Stiffler discuss their experience and personal understanding.

If Life and Hope are evidence of fruit in a Christ follower, so are Cross and Glory. No question, cross is a familiar, but difficult word. But perhaps, in bending to take up our own cross and carry it each day, this is where we begin to understand true glory. Not ours, not glory of our own knowledge, hands, or will, but the inexpressible glory of God. Listen in.

In honor of World Trauma Day on October 17th, Pastor Yoo offers four words that highlight the evidence of Christ's fruit in us. How do these rather simplistic words become radical characteristics in a Christ follower? How does our perspective shift when we apply the lens of heavenly life and hope over earthly life and hope? These are big questions, but fret not, we have trauma-informed answers!

Kathleen Welcher was brand new in her role as Care and Connections Pastor at First Christian Church (Phoenix, AZ), when she took Pastor Yoo's trauma-informed care training, and to her surprise, got triggered. Four years later, Kathleen is amazed to see how First Christian Church has applied the trauma-informed lens to their ministries, their community, and their unity as a team. We're grateful for Kathleen's guest spot on this episode and for her courage to share a piece of her story. (**Brief discussion of heavier topics.)

Maybe, if we really consider faith, faithfulness, and trauma-informed compassion for others and ourselves, everything can be simplified into two words: Only YOU. Only God. Pastor Yoo and Michelle reflect on the specific attributes of Father, Son, and Spirit, sharing personal glimpses and understandings of God's unending care. As we wrap up the season, we want to thank you, our listener, for getting to know us, our work, and the movement. We're preparing for another great season, so plan to make Weave & Cleave a part of your 2024!

Welcome to 2024, and season 3 of Weave & Cleave! Dr. Sanghoon Yoo and Michelle Stiffler chat about the disciplines they keep year in and year out, how they begin a new year, and how they each commit to their spiritual relationship and spiritual growth. The conversation turns to salvation and what it means to 'work out' one's salvation. This first episode of the year is one you don't want to miss!

(Looking for season 1? You'll find it under 'Journey On: Faith Communities, Resilience & Agents of Change'.)

Derek Sessom, LPC and the Trauma-informed Care Coordinator at Trinitas Church in Phoenix, AZ, has been committed to trauma-informed living for nearly a decade. Listen in as he talks about the solution to loneliness, the key elements of acceptance, and all that can take place when you live in your created design. If you need permission to courageously take hold of your God-given passion, this episode's for you.!

(Looking for season 1? You'll find it under 'Journey On: Faith Communities, Resilience & Agents of Change'.)

Weave & Cleave's podcast co-host, Michelle Stiffler, shares a little about her passion for physical movement, and the launch of Sincerity Method - an approach to integration that blends strength training, mind-body disciplines, and somatic coaching. She also shares the struggles of being multi-faceted in a society that would prefer you pick one path and do one thing. (If you know about suppressing a pursuit or passion because you're perceived as being 'too much', you'll feel understood during this episode!)

Dr. Yoo announces the launch of the Weave & Cleave Movement, a movement that is diverse, fearless, synergistic, and integrated. No need to do more, know more, or have more to be a part of this movement! The Weave & Cleave Movement believes a healthy person is one step closer to a healthy society. Listen in!

At Sunshine Acres Children's Home, children ages four to eighteen-plus live together in homes with house parents. Much of their schooling and programming is at Sunshine Acres, creating a sense of community and family. Staff members, Joe, Fred, and Rob discuss what its like to create a trauma-informed culture in an organization with a seventy history, and how its helped them create a clearer vision for the next seventy years. They also share their discoveries along the way: less reaction and more intention, less fixing and more listening, less disconnect and more attunement. This interview offer a realistic picture of trauma-informed applications in a setting where trauma is diverse, tension can be high, and cross-sector cooperation is paramount. Ever wonder if trauma-informed care is actually working in your place of ministry or business? This episode is for you!

Gabby Avalos was an ASU student when she joined an internship that connected her with Pastor Yoo and his diverse community of servant leaders. She thought it'd be a short-term connection. She thought she'd pursue social work after getting her degree. God had other plans, and forturnately for Gabby (and the world), she listened.

This captivating interview covers it all - mental health and its ability to cloud identity, the healing power of unconditional belonging, and art's ability to communicate rich, colorful faith. If you need a dose of freedom over fear, this episode is for you.

To view Gabby's work, check out her website!

A fifty-five year old book sparks a lively conversation between Pastor Yoo and Michelle. What could be relevant about words penned so many decades ago? Francis Schaeffer's 'The God Who is There' explores themes of compassion and patience, the fight against argument and perfection, and the supreme generosity and joy of knowing the God who is there. Schaeffer's book reinforces the need for a lifestyle that models Jesus - one that is authentic. In these quick, digital times where 'current' is outdated within a day, it's reassuring to know the truth will always be timeless. Truth extends across decades, integrates holistic facets, and continues to make an invisible God visible. Enjoy this discussion, and if you're intrigued, pick up a copy of 'The God Who is There', by Francis Schaeffer.

Karen Cheong was seeking trauma healing when her husband, Robert, began asking the question, "Where does Jesus make a difference in brokenness?" Decades later, Gospel Care Ministries was born, a ministry that equips church leaders and church members with answers to that question. As the Cheongs put it, "The church should be the first place people go for help." 

Using the framework of the gospel, they're creating churches invested in discipleship, counseling, and trauma healing. Their commitment is abiding in Christ, the One who is real and near, the One who loves us and cares for us. Their work is heartwork, the only kind of work that outweighs harm.

Join us as the Cheongs share their journey, their ministry, and what it's like to live together and work together. This is an encouraging episode for anyone wondering if love can truly overshadow suffering.  

Want to hear Robert and Karen speak? Be sure to attend the 2nd Annual Weave & Cleave conference in Arizona on May 2, 2024. The event is completely free, thanks to funding by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Register here.

Learn more about Gospel Care Ministries at gospel.care.

Check out Robert's books where you buy books: Restoration Story: Why Jesus Matters in a Broken World, Restore: Changing How We Live and Love, and God Redeeming His Bride: A Handbook for Church Discipline.

In May 2023, hundreds of individuals from various sectors and organizations gathered for a day of trauma-informed speakers, workshops, and connections. Guess what they found. Unity. The work of trauma healing and hope is always unifying. That's why the heart of the Weave & Cleave movement is unity across sectors, across organizations, across ethnicities and backgrounds.

This episode discusses preparations for the 2nd Annual Weave & Cleave conference to be held on May 2, 2024, and the exciting launch of affinity groups - interest groups to keep you connected to others in a similar field. This is a movement that mobilizes and empowers its people, so get connected by listening in and then registering for the free conference (thanks to funding from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health) here.

Brooke Weimar, elementary school teacher in Thailand, reflects on the steps God was laying out for her long before she had a true desire to follow Him. Her story is genuine and warm, a reminder that God uses even the most mundane realities of our lives to draw us into His plan. This episode is for those with an adventurous spirit, for those with a heart for international travel, for those who wonder what God is up to as He leads step by step rather than leading with a full road map. Enjoy this story of faithfulness. 

Much is going on in our world. Much is happening in our own lives. Busyness pulls us. Opinions divide us. Trouble unsettles us. We need Jesus, but what does it look like to pull closer to Him? In this episdoe, Sanghoon and Michelle discuss 5 Rs that will help you focus on 'less of me, more of God' - perfect for an election year! These simple focuses are easy to remember, easy to apply, and guaranteed to help you reclaim your peace as you journey in a trauma-informed lifestyle.

When Jessica Knight entered chaplaincy school, she had no plans to work with survivors of sex trafficking. God had other plans. 

Chaplain Jessica Knight is the Founder and Executive Director of Fire Revolution Advocacy for Women, an organization that offers programs and resources to sex trafficking survivors to encourage, empower, and support their recovery. Having her own traumatic history, Jessica had questions when she entered advocacy work. As she helped women work toward restoration, she found God was restoring her story, too, giving her a new definition of family, a passion for discipleship, and a deeper commitment in her relationship with Jesus. In other words, she found out what it truly meant to be loved.

This episode talks about solitude and risk, passion and personhood, safe people and community, listening to the Spirit and experiencing God. Oh, and Krav Maga (Jessica is working toward her blue belt!). This episode is sure to encourage you to live in confidence and purpose.

Learn more about Fire Revolution Advocacy.

Read Jessica's personal testimony.

Sybil Kolbert has always had a role in helping people create change, but its looked different over the years. She spent the first two decades of her career as a school psychologist, then she stepped into nonprofit work to help survivors rebuild after trauma. This is where she learned about trauma-informed care, and most importantly, about being trauma-informed - knowledge she wishes she'd had when she was working in education. Over eight years, she's learned how to steward the trauma she hears from the survivors she coaches. She's learned how to disciple with a fierce love and a loose grip. She's learned about the importance of teams and the human need for lament. She's learned how to rebuild, and how to help others rebuild.

Now Sybil is taking her knowledge and passion into churches, training them in the sometimes heavy work of helping others rebuild. Her dream? That churches in her central California community would be equipped to love others the way Jesus does.

Join us as we chat with Sybil - coach, writer, author (Finding Home is available here), seminary student, wife, and mother of three young adults. To learn more about Sybil's work, or to contact her, go to her website. 

Phil Monroe knows trauma. He's been a psychologist for decades, he leads a therapy practice with Diane Langberg (another prominent leader in the trauma space), and he writes curriculum for the Trauma Healing Institute, an arm of the American Bible Society. But because of his faith and his relationship with Christ, Phil also knows trauma healing. He knows it takes time and he willingly recognizes that much of his work in helping others heal is maintaining a level of hope his clients can't yet realize. In this episode, Phil speaks candidly about lament, church hurt, and trauma's role as both a block to God and a door to God. He also shares the one question church leaders can consider if their church experiences scandal. This episode is too good to miss. Keep a pen and notebook handy because you're going to want to take notes!

Phil's closing remarks: "Things are going to be made right." If you're on a healing journey, may you take those words with you.

For more about Phil Monroe.

For more about Langberg Monroe & Associates.

For more about the Trauma Healing Institute.

Jake and Keely Embleton began their trauma-informed care journey in the mission field of Northern Africa. The people they served needed trauma-infomed care, but as newlyweds and new parents in a new country, they needed trauma-informed care, too. 

Since learning how to vulnerably ask for help, Jake and Keely have dedicated themselves to the work of building encouraging communities where people can grow, learn, and heal. Where they can ask for help, pray, hear the truth, and find their God-given identity.  

This special episode looks at trauma and healing through the male and female lenses, tackling the big questions: 'How do we keep hold of our TRUE identity and how do we help others do the same?' 

Please note, this episode discusses PTSD, post-partum depression, and suicidal ideation.

For more about Mission Connexion.

For more about School Connect.

**Looking for Season 1 of Weave & Cleave? You'll find it under 'Journey On: Faith Communities, Resilience, and Agents of Change'. Don't miss these 11 interviews!**

Dr. Bob Rhoton is a therapist and professor, as well as the founder of the Arizona Trauma Institute and President of Trauma Institute International - an impressive resume for a man who admits he didn't intend to take the mental health path over four decades ago. What kept Rhoton in the field? As he says, "The more I learned, the more dissatisfied I was with what was out there." 

In a time when neuroscience wasn't a household word, Rhoton found the ACEs study. He learned the salutogenic model of treatment. He tried things, collected research, helped people regulate, and taught them how to be accountable to themselves. He started seeing sustainable growth in his clients. He started to see change. Today, he's still on a mission to create change - all over the world.

With a passion for relationship and connection, Rhoton's view of trauma-informed care is simple: it is the intentional application of compassion - without force, control, manipulation, regimentation, or the pursuit of efficiency. You master it for yourself first, THEN you begin applying it to others. This episode is the heart of trauma-informed care. Listen and enjoy.

For more about AZ Trauma Institute.

To contact Dr. Rhoton by email: robert.rhoton@aztrauma.org

**Looking for Season 1 of Weave & Cleave? You'll find it under 'Journey On: Faith Communities, Resilience, and Agents of Change'. Don't miss these 11 interviews!**

Lauren Broderick began her trauma-informed journey with Sanghoon and Michelle in 2019 when she worked for Hope Women's Center, a Phoenix-based, multi-site crisis center for women. Now she's the Executive Director of CASA of Floyd County, Indiana, where she's applying the trauma-informed lens as an advocate for foster children. 

When applying the trauma-informed lens in a service setting for childen rather than women, what's different? Lauren answers this question, but more intriguing is her observations of what is the same when applying the trauma-informed lens in different contexts. 1. Understand how trauma has affected you personally. 2. Be prepared for long-term ministry with those you serve. 3. Look for the small wins along the way, and make the time to celebrate them.

As a bonus, Lauren shares her own self-care strategies as a busy mom and executive director. For those who have a tendency to over-function when stressed, you're going to want to give this episode a listen!

For more about CASA of Floyd County, Indiana.

To contact Lauren by email: Lauren@casafloydcounty.org.

At the age of eleven, Deenbo Kidane immigrated to the U.S. from Ethiopa, giving her an unique understanding of the challenges immigrants face, as well as the struggles their children face. Her father was a ministry leader, so she also witnessed firsthand the difficulty immigrant ministry leaders encounter when trying to find a supportive, encouraging community. Little did she know, these life experiences would be put to good use one day.

Today, Deenbo is the Co-Director of the Daniel Initiative, a network of pastors and church leaders from all over the world. She is also the Director of Children's and Youth Ministry at El-Bethel Ethiopian Missionary Church. As she likes to say, she's a 'bridge', encouraging youth not to assimilate or to isolate, but to thrive. Being the bridge is hard work, and Deenbo is honest about that, but she knows she's doing exactly what she's supposed to be doing - and she loves it.

Listen in and be encouraged.

For more about the Daniel Initiative.

For more about El-Bethel Ethiopian Missionary Church.

Jennifer Evans is a Global Humanitarian (she's been to 49 countries!), Inspirational Speaker, and Executive Director of Grace Sober Living, a nonprofit based in Phoenix, Arizona. 

But a decade ago, this wasn't Jennifer's story. She was working for a high profile nonprofit, taking private jets to five star hotels all over the globe. But what many didn't know was that Jennifer was a substance user and high-functioning addict, and had been since age 13. In 2016, Jen's anxiety and depression could no longer be numbed. Burnout zapped her body and mind of energy. She lost everything. But this is when she found Jesus.

Jennifer's story of overcoming addiction, burnout, and mental health challenges is vulnerable and unashamed, because as she puts it, "That was my past and now God's able to use it for good." At Grace Sober living, Jennifer is using her experience to help transform the lives of people overcoming drug and alcohol addiction through Christ-centered care and housing. Listen in to this episode for inspiration and true hope. 

For more about Grace Sober Living.

If you or a loved one is looking for substance use treatment: 480-495-1122.

Follow Jen's adventures on social.

Dawn Mann Sanders is an associate minister at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Maryland, and newly published author of "When Your World Ends", a book about overcoming adversity and creating a new life - something she knows a great deal about.

After unproductive relationships and heartache, Dawn met the man of her dreams. They started a ministry, got married, got pregnant, and suffered a miscarriage. Shortly after a second miscarriage, Dawn's husband unexpectedly died. Dawn lets us into the rawness of her losses and how these losses affected her faith, her sense of self, and her sense of purpose. Using the story of creation from the book of Genesis, she illustrates the void and darkness of loss as a secret place where God hovers with those who are desperate to know how to begin again. When they're ready, He's ready to walk them through the rebuilding process, one day at a time.

This episode offers gentle steps for those asking the crushing question: What now?

Further tools and resources are available at Dawn's website. 

"When Your World Ends" is out through IVP and available wherever you buy books.

Tiesha Harrison is a Storytelling Visual Artist who engages, educates, uplifts, and transforms communities through her creative pursuits - a calling that was birthed from heartbreak and the loss of her corporate job. At first, art was a means for expression and beauty, something to bring the community together. Then Tiesha lost her sister to domestic violence. Art continued to bring healing to Tiesha, but she began to realize it was much bigger than that. There was a message behind her art, a voice that wouldn't be silenced. Sunflower Soul Project was born.

Join us as Tiesha shares the realities of being an advocate and a trauma survivor, a leader and an artist, a visionary and a teacher. Find out how prayer helps her stay balanced and what it feels like to help others find their own creative expression. This interview is a delight. 

Tiesha is the leader of Weave & Cleave Creatives! If you're interested in this affinity group, or if you're interested in Sunflower Soul Project workshops, connect with Tiesha at: iamundefinedart@gmail.com.

Tiesha's produced collaborative art for the McCain Institute, the City of Chandler, and the City of Phoenix. View Tiesha's art gallery here. www.iamundefinedart.com



Follow Tiesha on Instagram @iamundefinedart