Shalom Sessions

The Seven Last Words of Jesus

Hey Friends, Here are the seven last words of Jesus we discuss today. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. Truly, I say unto you, today you will be with me in paradise. Woman, behold thy son. (Says to disciple) Behold thy mother. My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? I thirst. It is finished. Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.   Big thank you to OK Factor for use of their song, Uncharted. Go grab it on Bandcamp. https://theokfactor.bandcamp....

Maybe We Should Hang Out or Something

Hey Y’all   This is a fun conversation but we talk about a few grown up things, so listen with little peacemakers at your distraction.   Check out Dr. Joy’s podcast, “Therapy for Black Girls”. LEARN from Dr. Christena Cleveland  We’re reading these books “Inspired” by Rachel Held Evans “Murder in G Major” “Shameless”  Nadia Bolz Weber “Scouting the Divine”   Our Hype Song/ Benediction is “Come Alive” from the Greatest Showman   Your shalom Steps are to listen t...

Shalom Y'all!

Hey peacemakers,   On today’s podcast…   I talk about my book, ‘Shalom Sistas” Living Wholeheartedly in a Brokenhearted World”… you can buy it here https://www.amazon.com/Shalom-Sistas-Living-Wholeheartedly-Brokenhearted/dp/151380149X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8   I introduce a new podcast name and the podcast art was created by Julie at Soulelevationquotes… here Etsy store is here https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1774390085     I talk about Elliot’s and Harmon...

Back to School Shalom

Hey Sistas,   This month, we're practicing back to school shalom with these TEN Shalom Steps.  Shalom Steps This Month 1; Listen to the “How to Show Up” episode on The Nod  2: Try out a mediation from The Shine App  3: Listen to the Shalom in the Home episode with Jerusalem Greerfor tips to make your home cozy 4:  Throw a GIF Party for a friend who is anxious about Back to School   5: Start your morning off reading the Lord’s Prayer.  6: Check out my sermon, “On Earth As I...

Dear White Peacemakers: Your Book Shelves Tell A Story

Dear White Peacemakers: Let's Talk About Race and Romance

Cara and I sit down and talk about being in interracial relationships,. then my husband, T.C. and I offer some advice on how to seek shalom in our marriages when race comes up. I hope you like the show. Links from the episode: Cara's book, "The Color of Life" Get to know Cara ESTHER Homes #Shesgoingplace Patreon shout-out... Thank you, Jill Hanus.  Become a Patreon supporter  With all my love, Osheta

Dear White Peacemakers: Are You Listening?

Cara and I sit down and talk about being empathic listeners. I hope you like the show. Links from the episode: White Ally Toolkit Cara's book, "The Color of Life" Get to know Cara Interracial Couples (married or dating) what questions do you have- T.C. and I will tackle them in next week's episode Patreon shout-out... Thank you, Lauren L.  Become a Patreon supporter  With all my love, Osheta

Dear White Peacemakers: Let's get Started

  Hey Sistas,    Today we kick off our series, “Dear White Peacemakers”.    Here are the link you can check out to help you grow as a peacemakers for racial justice. Dr. David Campt’s “White Ally Toolkit”   Shalom Book Club #8: Road mad to Reconciliation    Sign up for the Newsletter for Monthly Shalom Steps (and a GIF party whoot whoot)   I have a new site… check it out!     Support the podcast by joining the Patreon Community     Love and Shalom, Osheta  

Day 8: Happy Thanksgiving

Hey Sistas,   Happy Thanksgiving   Here are five things that I'm choosing to help me be a peacemaker today:   1: Remember small ordinary acts of peace 2: This Responsive Reading From the African American Heritage Hymnal   3: Twain's Feast from Audible 4: Simple Gifts By Yo Yo Ma  and NPR's Time Desk on Yo Yo Ma   5: From the Top NPR    Thank you so much Sistas, Patreon Supporters, and Guests.  2018 has been an amazing year!   Love, Osheta  

Day 7: Fair trade shopper this holiday season with Shalom

Hey Sistas,   Today's guest is Shelley Jones!   Shelley Jones is the founder of dignify, an online boutique that sells handmade blankets that are made by women who are survivors of exploitation in Bangladesh. She is a wife, a mom, and a creative who is using what she has to work out shalom in her business, in the way she shops, and in the [online] world.   Today we talk about: How she kinda tumbled into founding a fair trade company How she loves to connect the stories of the ...

Day 6: Little Sistas Peacemaking in Their Friendship

Today, our favorite little sista and her best friend had a sleepover and they wrote a friendship promise to get through Middle School.   Enjoy friends! 

Day 5: Dear White Peacemakers

Today I write about this letter I wrote on Instagram (@oshetam)     Dear White Peacemakers, ⠀ ⠀ Let’s sit and have an honest heart-to-heart.⠀ ⠀ As we are stepping up and resisting the injustices of this world, will you commit to being mindful of one thing: you are opting in to an awareness of justice issues- for many people of color we've lived our whole lives navigating systemic brokenness. Brown and Black lives have been lost seeking this shalom, so approach justice efforts with ...

Day 4: Shalom with your Spouse

Oh y'all... we're finally getting back on track.  Here are the top peacemaking strategies I need for my marriage. 

Day 3: Shalom for the Spin Out

Oh Sistas... sometimes I get overwhelmed. You too? Listen to today's episode.    

Day 2 of 31 Days Everyday Peacemaking

Hey Sistas,  Today I start the episode with a peacemaking strategy because my son missed the bus. Then, I share our Peacemaker's Pledge from my book trailer. It's the anchor of our series and what I'll refer to often.   We are a sisterhood of everyday peacemakers. We believe that shalom is more than an ancient concept. It’s God's dream for the world as it should be: nothing missing, nothing broken, everything made whole. Shalom is the breadth, depth, climate, and culture of the kingdo...

Day 1: Introduction to 31 Days of Everyday Shalom

Hey Sistas,   Five things:   1: I used my husband's computer to upload this podcast episode and I couldn't figure out how to add the music... so this is an unplugged episode... no intro or music. Just me talk about Shalom.   2: We're spending the next 31 days seeking shalom on the podcast. It's going to be fun.   3: follow me on Instagram at: oshetam Join the Facebook hangout here   4: We're saying "peace out to perfectionism" today... where have you been tempted to be ...

Episode 61 with Carolina Hinojosa-Cisneros

Hey Sistas! Today I chat with my friend. Carolina Hinojosa-Cisneros. Oh, y’all… I love her so much. Carolina is a Tejana poet, freelance writer, and aspiring author. Her work focuses on Latinidad and faith. Her work can be found in On Being, The Rumpus, The Acentos Review, The Lookout Magazine, Rock & Sling: a journal of witness, and more.  Today we talk about creativity, being everyday theologians, and how the movie Coco moved us to own our past and love ourselves right now. Follow Ca...

Episode 60: The Beauty of a Bamboo Library

My guest for Shalom Sistas #60 is Marla Taviano. Marla Taviano is the author of From Blushing Bride to Wedded Wife (2006), Is That All He Thinks About? (2007), Changing Your World One Diaper at a Time (2008), Expecting (2009), The Husband’s Guide to Getting Lucky (2011), Once Upon the Internet (2012), The Wife Life(2013), We Dream of Cambodia (2014), An Unschooling Manifesto (2014), The Storm (2015), and Shipwrecked (2017). Her biggest passions are loving the poor, seeking justice, and b...

Episode 59: So... I've started using the Female Pronoun for God

Today I chat with my friends, Tim and Mariann Reardon, pastors of Pasadena Mennonite about using the female pronoun for God, especially how thinking of God as Mother has healed some past hurts and helped us authentically connect with God.  

Episode 58: Let's Chat about Meghan Markle

On Friday, Trinity and I sat down to share our thoughts about the Royal Wedding. This is a pre-wedding chat. We didn't get a chance to do a post-wedding chat because she's training for a 5K and I just started a new job!  Whoop, whoop. But, if you want, maybe we'll record a quick check in for the Patreon supporters.   A few important reminders  1: We're praying for each other in the Shalom Sistas Hangout and Newsletter. Click the links to join and get your prayer on.     3:  We have...

Episode 57: Pro-Life? Pro-Choice? Pro-Mom

Hey Sistas,  Here are three things you need to know about today's episode.   1: I chat with my friends, Amber Hornsby and Rachel Hanus, co-founders of ESTHER homes, a beautiful transition home for single mamas and pregnant women. Y'all, I joined the board of ESTHER as the president last month and I have to tell you God has been leading me to this moment for YEARS. This episode means so much to me because when was 20, I was a junior in college and found myself in an unplanned pregnancy ...

Episode 56: Be Your Whole Self Sista

Hey Sistas,   Here are a few things you need to know about today’s episode:   1: I sit down with my friend Amena Brown today to talk about how she's seeking Shalom in herself. We also talk about taking mission trips to Africa as black girls, beauty standards, and I kissed dating goodbye.   2: We're doing our shalom step of cleaning toilets for people who annoy us... my bathrooms are SPARKLING people.     3: There's a copy of Amena's book, "How to Fix A Broken Record" up for g...

Episode 55: Meet Claire Swinarski

Three things you need to know about today’s episode: 1: I sit down with my new friend Claire Swinarski, the host of “The Catholic Feminist” to talk about her favorite saints and how they empower her to be a peacemaker.  She shares with us what it means to be both Catholic and a Feminist.  2: We do a “say this, not that” about common misconceptions about Catholics and Saints.  Then she shares her favorite three: Saint Therese of Liseux, Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, and Saint Teresa of Calc...

Episode 54: Do tell, Sista

Hey Sistas,   Here are three things you need to know about today's episode.   1: I answer questions from the “Shalom Sistas” community today: Share about supper club? What do you say to women who are forced to see and interact with their abuser or their rapist during church? What do you tell a woman who has to walk up to the alter next to a man who would rape her or who beat her because they share a child in common and our current legal system and family court is so incredibly bro...

Introducing: Little Sistas...Snow Day Edition!!!

Here are three things you need to know about today's episode.   1: Today, my daughter Trinity and I join you for the first episode and snow day edition of Little Sistas.   2: We're praying for each other in the Shalom Sistas Hangout and Newsletter. Click the links to join and get your prayer on.   3: We've decided Oprah's make up is always on point, we wanna root for the underdogs, and snow days are for baking.       Two Important Reminders: 1:  We have a Patreon to help pa...

Blessed Are the School Teachers!

Here are three things you need to know about today's episode.  1: My guest today is Abby Norman and we have a much needed conversation on peacemaking and mass shootings in our public schools. Abby is Abby Norman is the mother two girls and the former teacher of over 1000 teenagers. A current seminarian and preacher at New Hope United Methodist, the most instagramable church in the world, she thinks a lot about the stories we tell. She is the author of Consent Based Parenting, and a book be...

Episode 52: Creating Life-giving Rhythms Not Stress-Inducing Routines

Hey Sistas,     Here are three things you need to know about today's episode.   1: Jerusalem Greer and I have a much needed conversation on the difference between routines to get stuff done and rhythms that give us life.  We used Matthew 11:28-30 The Message (MSG)  as our guide:  “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn ...

Episode 51: Represent for Shalom

 Hey Sistas,   For those of you who observe, may you have a blessed Good Friday. Here's a song that is giving me so much to consider about Jesus' death and life today: "Wounded Healer" by Audrey Assad https://youtu.be/Ejrg3zXOW-k   Here are three things you need to know about today's episode.   1: Cara Meredith and I sat down to talk about “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeline L’engle.  We cover everything from our reading experiences as children, what Christian themes we had hop...

Episode 50: My Morning with the Ladies of Slate Hill Mennonite

 Hey Sistas,   Today, I share all the things she's most excited about the return of the podcast for season 3.   Here are three things you need to know about today's episode.   1: I met with the Tuesday morning women’s small group at Slate Hill Mennonite church and we talked about my book “Shalom Sistas”. They were drinking my lemonade recipe during the call, which made my day.    2: We're praying for each other in the Shalom Sistas Hangout and Newsletter. Click the links to j...

Episode 49: Kicking Off Season 3 with Some Vulnerability and Surprises

  Hey Sistas,   Today, I share all the things she's most excited about the return of the podcast for season 3.   Here are three things you need to know about today's episode.   1: We have new music to match our new direction in season 3. It's called "Girl Power" and it. Is. GLORIOUS!    2: We're praying for each other in the Shalom Sistas Hangout and Newsletter. Click the links to join and get your prayer on.   3: I get vulnerable about my heartbreak in Los Angeles and ...

Episode 48: Nourishing comfort foods

Sistas!   Listen: don’t feel overwhelmed by keeping your New Year’s Resolution to eat healthier in 2018, let our resident Shalom Sista: Christine Brandt encourage you. Christine Brandt is a certified health coach and the owner of Nourished!  She lives in LA with her husband and when she's not watching Scandal, reading Harry Potter, or hanging out at the dog park, she's loving on her clients.  She spends most of her time cooking for local clients, but is starting a new journey into the wo...

Episode 47: We Will See the Beauty (at Home)

Today’s episode was sponsored by Nourish Yourself who has a REALLY Fun Giveaway for the Shalom Sistas. Christine Brandt over at Nourished! is excited to host a fun giveaway contest that will also serve as a gift idea this season!  You've heard about the delicious and nutritious Nourish Yourself menus available for sale on her website throughout this season of the podcast...well, for a couple short weeks, every sista who purchases a menu will be entered in the Nourish Yourself Giveaway cont...

Episode 46: Victoria Tiedemann is Enough and So Are You

Today’s episode was sponsored by Nourish Yourself who has a REALLY Fun Giveaway for the Shalom Sistas Christine Brandt over at Nourished! is excited to host a fun giveaway contest that will also serve as a gift idea this season!  You've heard about the delicious and nutritious Nourish Yourself menus available for sale on her website throughout this season of the podcast...well, for a couple short weeks, every sista who purchases a menu will be entered in the Nourish Yourself Giveaway conte...

Episode 45: Storytime with Osheta

Hey Sistas,   Thanks to my amazing publisher, today I'm reading the first chapter of "Shalom Sistas" for you.  So sit back, relax...wait! Who am I kidding? You're probably getting stuff done while you listen to podcasts, so I hope this chapter of the books makes you laughs, think, and make you feel like you're just chatting with a good friend while you work. Have you grabbed you copy of Shalom Sistas yet?  Yesterday, it was shared as one of Sarah Bessey's favorite non-fiction book— yay...

Episode 44: Ask Us Anything

Today’s episode was sponsored by Nourish Yourself   Nourish Yourself menus are $5 each and are delivered to your email address within minutes of purchasing.   Just visit ifeelsupernourished.com and click on the “Nourish Yourself” tab.     Today for “Beloved” week I brought in my beloved husband, T.C. We answer lots of questions from y’all on family dynamics, non-violence and Halloween, pastoral care, and so much more. TC is the wisest person I know so I am SO CONFIDENT that y’all w...

Episode 43: Shalom and Personalities

Hey Hey Sistas,  On today's episode I invited Meg Tietz back to the podcast to talk about the Myers-Briggs personality test and how it relates to our shalom practices.  In chapter 14, of "Shalom Sistas" I talk about the four types of friends who helped me get through a major tragedy which had me wondering if some personality types gravitate towards specific practices of Shalom. Well, my friend Meg thinks so and so she came on the show today to teach me how the sixteen types divide up into ...

Episode 42: Peacemaking Fails Then Successes

    Hey Sistas!   Today is a COMMUNITY EPISODE!!! Which means you'll hear from all three the co-hosts on one topic AND meet some fellow Sistas who love the podcast. This week my first book, "Shalom Sistas" released and so for the fall season of the podcast, we're going to be going through the Shalom Sistas Manifesto. In this episode, we talk about the first four:   We are Invited We are Beloved We are Enough We will see the Beauty With Cara: We talk about Belovedness, a ...

Episode 41: Bacon, Peacemaking, and A New Name

Hey Sistas! Welcome back to the podcast after a long and much needed break over the summer. Today I sit down with you (with a hazelnut americano in hand) to give you a behind the scenes look of the look of the podcast. I'm going to share more about our new name and cover art because.  This season, is called, "Shalom Sistas!" in celebration of my book release,"Shalom Sistas: Living Wholeheartedly in a Brokenhearted World" that is available for preorder now on Amazon.  There's a copy for...

Episode 40: We're just sitting in the dirt, owning our belovedness

Today, I'm checking in with my co-host Jerusalem Greer.  We took the summer off and now we're chatting about her favorite episode from the Hopeful Resistance Series, what her go-to shalom step for celebration and owning our belovedness and why it's super great when your car's radio breaks. This is the first in a four part mini series of check ins this week. I think we all can agree with the past events in Charlottesville, we all need a good dose of hopeful resistance and so I pray these ep...

Episode 39: Rest Hard, Play Hard, Treat Yo Babysitters Well

This week, I'm checking in with my co-host Cara Meredith. We took the summer off and now we're chatting about her favorite episode from the Hopeful Resistance Series, what her go-to shalom step for rest is, and how she uses babysitting as a means of peacemaking.  This is the first in a four part mini series of check ins this week. I think we all can agree with the past events in Charlottesville, we all need a good dose of hopeful resistance and so I pray these episodes inspire and encourag...

Episode 38: Shalom Book Club

On today’s episode, Osheta and Cara talk to their favorite literary matchmaker, Anne Bogel, the mind behind the What Should I Read Next podcast and Modernmrsdarcy.com.  She has a created a fabulous Summer Reading Guide, which is her sixth summer reading guide that she has created.  She tells Osheta and Cara what they should read next for the Shalom Book Club.       Reminder! Osheta and co-hosts are going to take the summer off. Starting July 19 through September 1, the podcast will be...

Episode 37: My Sista's Keeper

  On this episode of My Sistas' Keeper, Abby and I discuss how to hopefully resist the spirit of despair when talking about race, specifically on social media. We share our honest, raw emotions about the Philando Castile verdict and the killing of Charleena Lyles. We also discuss Scripture about despair and respond to listener questions about to respond to race-related tragedies and police brutality: How should Shalom Sistas talk to their children, students, etc., about these even...

36: Shalom in the Home

Today I sit down with my co-host Jerusalem to talk about FOMO, Benedictine Monastic traditions, learning to love the life you have, and husband who are weary of our BIG ideas.  She just released her second book, “At Home in this Life: Finding Peace at the Crossroads of Unraveled Dreams and Beautiful Surprises” and it’s amazing.  Take a listen and come on over to the Shalom Sista Facebook page to tell us which of the three Benedictine Vows resonate most with you as you seek shalom in your ho...

Episode 35: Hallelujah Anyway

In episode 35 we're having the Shalom Book Club, where Cara and I discuss Anne Lamott’s latest book, Hallelujah Anyway.  We talk about what we mean when we speak or dream of mercy, and we look at differences between Lamott’s definition of mercy and a biblical definition of mercy. Finally, we get REAL with our own stories of mercy, and offer four Shalom Steps to help you rediscover mercy, too. As per the usual, you can connect with Cara on her blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and you ca...

Episode 34: My Sista's Keeper

On this episode of My Sistas' Keeper, Abby and I discuss how to hopefully resist the spirit of defensiveness when talking about race, specifically on social media. We consider some practical ways to emulate Jesus' posture toward others described in 1 Peter 2:23, "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." We also discuss the terms backfire effect and confirmation bias, and engage l...

Episode 33: Shalom Book Club: ONE

Hey Sistas! On today’s book club episode, Cara and Osheta talked about ONE by Deidra Riggs.     They discuss the history of women in the church and the current conflict over the last couple of weeks on Twitter, and they also share our histories of being a woman in the church. They also talk about whether to keep or discard the book, and invite you to join in reading Hallelujah Anyway by Anne Lamott.       For resources to links mentioned in the episode, click here:    *Jer...

Episode 32: Won't You Be My Neighbor

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?   What Mr. Roger’s can teach us about peacemaking in our communities when we feel divided.   Today we’re going to use neighborliness to practice hopeful resistance in the face of division. Wanna know what that means? It’s a really great episode and I hope you take a listen:     Three Lessons of Neighborliness from Mr. Rogers Welcoming - Assuming a posture of neighborliness Mr. Roger’s did this when he changed from his “work” clothes to his comfy cloth...

Episode 31: My Sista's Keeper

Hey Sistas, Join Abby Perry and me for our second episode of My Sista's Keeper: Shalom in the City's Monthly Conversation on Race and Unity. This month we're exploring the idea of hopefully resisting division.  When it comes to racial reconciliation conversations, what words seem to make us aware of division unlike any other? You got it, race/racism/racist. As challenging as those words are to discuss, we think it's worth it to really press in to what they mean in order to have a common, ...

Episode 30: Marriage...is what brings us together....today

Today on the show, I'm chatting with Katherine Willis Pershey, pastor, storyteller, raconteuse  and one of my new favorite authors. Her book, "Very Married" is my favorite marriage resource... ever!     Today's episode is what happens with two marriage geeks sit down and chat! We talk about living wholeheartedly in our marriage, what happens when one of us get has a crush, what is our responsibility to seek justice for those on the margins who desire whole and healthy marriage, and how ...

Episode 29: Shalom Book Club 10th Edition

Hey Sistas, Join Cara Meredith and I as we discuss "The Sun is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon.  With our theme of Hopeful Resistance in mind, we talk through some of the tough issues (young love, college admission, and deportation) that Daniel and Natasha face.       From Amazon: Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and...