157. Refusing Affirmations | Surface Tension

Surface Tension

#Religion #Christianity #by Craig Morris and Alex Graeber #Alex Graeber #Craig Morris

19:09

This episode is brought to you by Landrum Talent Solutions, a national recruiting firm specializing in marketing and HR positions. Our guest today has been keeping us up to date with the current state of hiring for marketers on a quarterly basis, which has taken us on quite a roller coaster ride. Today we’re going to look at how marketing and communication execs are responding to the latest developments in the world while still needing to get their work done. To take a look at the latest here, I’d like to welcome back to the show Sue Keith, Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. About Sue Keith Sue Keith is Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. With deep expertise in navigating complex labor markets, Sue has a front-row seat to the evolving dynamics of marketing roles, hiring trends, and the broader implications of AI and economic uncertainty. RESOURCES Landrum Talent Solutions: https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com…

about a year ago 35:42

MP3•Episode home

Why is it so easy to believe the worst about ourselves, and so hard to receive what’s good and true?

In this episode, Alex and Craig explore why affirmations often bounce off our hearts while criticism cuts deep. They reflect on the emotional walls we build, the spiritual consequences of rejecting love, and the importance of choosing to trust the voice of God over the noise of fear and self-doubt.

Through vulnerability and story, they offer a hopeful vision for receiving truth not just in theory, but deep in the soul.

160 episodes

Surface Tension

157. Refusing Affirmations | Surface Tension

Surface Tension

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Why is it so easy to believe the worst about ourselves, and so hard to receive what’s good and true?

Through vulnerability and story, they offer a hopeful vision for receiving truth not just in theory, but deep in the soul.

160 episodes

#Religion #Christianity #by Craig Morris and Alex Graeber #Alex Graeber #Craig Morris

All episodes

Surface Tension

1
159. Instrumental or Intrinsic? 41:42

5 weeks ago41:42

41:42

In this episode, Alex and Craig revisit the story of the prodigal son, but with a twist. What happens when the son returns home and tries to earn his way back into the Father's favor? This leads to a vulnerable and timely conversation about how we see value, in ourselves, in others, and even in God. Are we caught in an exhausting cycle of performance, or can we begin to live as people loved simply for who we are? This one will challenge your metrics and reshape how you approach love, worth, and relationship.…

Surface Tension

1
158. The Carnival | Surface Tension 38:20

7 weeks ago38:20

38:20

What if life is like a carnival, and we’re running from booth to booth, chasing prizes that never satisfy? In this episode, Alex and Craig dive into a vivid dream about a carnival, revealing how we often find ourselves hustling for worth, approval, and success in all the wrong places.

Surface Tension

1
157. Refusing Affirmations | Surface Tension 35:42

11 weeks ago35:42

35:42

Why is it so easy to believe the worst about ourselves, and so hard to receive what’s good and true? In this episode, Alex and Craig explore why affirmations often bounce off our hearts while criticism cuts deep. They reflect on the emotional walls we build, the spiritual consequences of rejecting love, and the importance of choosing to trust the voice of God over the noise of fear and self-doubt. Through vulnerability and story, they offer a hopeful vision for receiving truth not just in theory, but deep in the soul.…

Surface Tension

1
156. Judgement Day | Surface Tension 38:19

12 weeks ago38:19

38:19

When you hear the words “Judgment Day,” do you feel fear… or anticipation? In this episode, Alex and Craig challenge the fire-and-brimstone narrative by asking a bold question: Should we actually be excited for it? Through the stories of Babel, Jesus' mercy, and personal reflections, they explore what it means to truly believe that Christ has already paid the price on our behalf. This is an invitation to trade shame and striving for trust and rest, and to consider that God’s final word might just be love.…

Surface Tension

1
155. Two Things at Once | Surface Tension 39:37

13 weeks ago39:37

39:37

What if two seemingly opposite emotions (like fear and joy, or vulnerability and safety) could exist together, rather than cancel each other out? In this episode, Alex and Craig explore the surprising spiritual maturity found in holding tension: between shame and love, pain and hope, disappointment and delight. Drawing from personal stories, relationships, and even cultural observations, they invite listeners to consider how pairing emotional opposites can lead to deeper healing, connection, and transformation. Because maybe the gospel doesn’t ask us to choose between feelings, but to integrate them with grace.…

Surface Tension

1
154. Surface Tension Spotlight: Jim Moss 54:37

14 weeks ago54:37

54:37

What does it look like to serve God on the frontlines (literally)? In this gripping episode, former SWAT team member and Air Rescue 5 veteran Jim Moss shares how decades in high-stakes law enforcement shaped his faith, refined his prayer life, and revealed God’s purpose in both chaos and stillness. From spiritual awakenings during tactical raids to the quiet miracle of fatherhood, Jim's story is one of grit, grace, and divine redirection. Join Alex and Craig as they explore how God shows up in unexpected ways—and what it means to “play for the win” in both life and faith.…

Surface Tension

1
153. Big G, little g | Surface Tension 32:52

15 weeks ago32:52

32:52

In this episode of Surface Tension , Alex and Craig explore the concept of choosing which "god" to serve in life, discussing the difference between the "Big G God" (the one true God) and the many "little g gods" that often distract us, such as societal approval, money, and comfort. They reflect on how these "little g gods" can subtly take control of our lives and prevent us from truly pursuing a relationship with the Big G God.…

Surface Tension

1
152. Two for Two? | Surface Tension 37:55

17 weeks ago37:55

37:55

Are you okay? Are things going to be okay? In this episode, Alex and Craig go beneath the surface to explore these two deceptively simple questions. They reflect on how childhood, emotional wounds, and our pursuit of validation shape our sense of security and identity. Through personal stories and spiritual insight, they invite listeners to consider where they're looking for okayness—and whether it’s grounded in truth or illusion.…

Surface Tension

1
151. The Three Big Assumptions | Surface Tension 51:19

19 weeks ago51:19

51:19

In this episode, Alex and Craig unpack three foundational questions: Who is God really? Do we want to live in reality? How important is love? The way we answer these shapes everything—from our faith to our relationships. Join the conversation as we examine the illusions we cling to, confront the truth God invites us into, and discover how shifting our core beliefs can transform our lives.…

Surface Tension

1
150. Surface Tension Spotlight: Melissa Whiteman 43:07

20 weeks ago43:07

43:07

Craig and Alex sit down to hear Melissa Whiteman's God Story. From an early age, Melissa faced hardships many wouldn’t be able to bear. From extreme violence to drug use and trafficking, she found herself desperate for God, and by His divine grace and intervention, she was saved in more ways than one. She has devoted her life to helping children in similar situations move toward physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual safety.…

Surface Tension

1
149. Seeing The Soul | Surface Tension 42:27

21 weeks ago42:27

42:27

Craig and Alex explore what it means to love someone for their soul, rather than merely for their thoughts, emotions, or decisions: an approach that surpasses the typical focus of most personal relationships.

Surface Tension

1
148. AI and God | Surface Tension 46:47

22 weeks ago46:47

46:47

Craig and Alex discuss the spiritual implications of the impending AI revolution, and examine what underlying assumptions and promises have been motivating people to do and become more.

Surface Tension

1
147. A Misaligned Magician | Surface Tension 41:07

23 weeks ago41:07

41:07

Craig and Alex explore Acts 8:9-25, the story of Simon the Magician, and reflect on what it means to surrender our version of "good" for His ultimate "Good."

Surface Tension

1
146. The Perfect Coach | Surface Tension 36:32

25 weeks ago36:32

36:32

Craig and Alex discuss reclaiming how we move through the world and how we all need coaches, one coach in particular.

Surface Tension

1
145. Navigating Suffering | Surface Tension 41:31

28 weeks ago41:31