"She Waits" by the Gray Havens

The newest album by our friends, the Gray Havens, is now out!

"She Waits" is like but unlike all of their previous work.

There is plenty of the explorative, imaginative, cinematic, narrative-based songs we've come to enjoy with Dave Radford lyrics, vocals [lots of falsetto!], and keyboards and Licia's distinctive counter-point voice coming through. But there are also more instruments here than ever before, fewer guitars or folk-sounds, and some spoken-word poetry from Propaganda (see video below). Now, that's different!

Dave explained some of the development of their music in this interview about the song God's Storehouse (which almost sounds like a 50's do-wop, but it doesn't really).

My favorite track is "See You Again" which is the most fun funeral song I've ever heard.

The whole album is worth listening to on repeat.

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This Love Is a Band of Gold - Happy 22nd Anniversary to My Dearheart

Twenty-two wonderful years with this beauty!

Hiking Selfie in Parker Dam State Park

And here's a video by our friends, The Gray Havens, that could be our theme song:



Band of Gold Lyrics

I told you I was on your side
I told you I would never hide
So you can put your hand in mine
Cuz I’ll be keep’n by your side

I’ll love you til the stars turn cold
And I’ll love you like this ring I hold
Yes around and round it goes
A circle never knows the end of the line
And so you will find with our love

Cuz this love is a band of gold
When the fire’s burn’n and
When the embers feel cold
So when I hold you in my arms I hope you know
That this love is a band of gold

I’m never get’n over you
No I never will be over you
Yes I threw away the key
That bound my heart to yours
To the bottom of the sea
I don’t need it anymore
No there’s no turn’n back for us
There’s only movin' forward

Cuz this love is a band of gold
When the fire’s burn’n and
When the embers feel cold
So when I hold you in my arms I hope you know
That this love is a band of gold

And the storms that come and cover up the moon
The may steal away the starry skies we knew
But they can’t take away can’t take away what’s true
I belong, I still belong, I belong to you

This love is a band of gold
When the fire’s burn’n and
When the embers feel cold
So when I hold you in my arms I hope you know
That this love is a band of gold

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Two Years of "Resisting Gossip"

It's hard to be believe, but Resisting Gossip has just turned two years old.

Yesterday, I went through all of the posts on this blog marked Resisting Gossip, and reviewed what a fun ride it's been over the last twelve months.

Some highlights from this second year:

Resisting Gossip Together

In October, CLC Publications released Resisting Gossip Together: Participant's Guide and Bible Study as a companion book. This Summer, RGT already went into its second printing. I'm thankful for the chance to provide this study guide for folks who want to go deeper into God's Word on gossip. I was able to include material that didn't make it into the original book.

For more information, see this page on my blog which include even more resources and my interview with the Biblical Counseling Coalition.


A great place to purchase Resisting Gossip Together is Westminster Bookstore who also has a starter pack of 5 books and study guides at 35% off the list price.

The Resisting Gossip Video Teaching Series

At the same time, CLC Publications also released a complementary set of videos featuring me teaching on the ten chapters of Resisting Gossip. They were produced, filmed, and directed by Spencer Folmar of Third Brother Films and have great music from The Gray Havens.

What I love most about these videos is that they are available for FREE to the world--downloadable and sharable. The first video has already been viewed more than a thousand times. (A DVD set is available for those who need it.)

Restiendo el Chisme on Colombian National Television

I never saw this one coming!

On March 31st, the Spanish version was featured in an 18 minute segment on the morning show of Channel One, the national television station in Colombia. (Click on the picture here to got to the YouTube video.)

I don't know much Spanish, but from what I can tell, they did a great job of covering the contents and even the corny humor from the book.

I love the international reach of CLC Ministries.

The Korean and Russian translations are in production, and I can't wait to learn how the Lord might use those in parts of the world I will never see.

Disciplemaking, Not Just Resisting Gossip

The best part of being the author of this book is that it's not about me, it's about ministry. It's not just about resisting gossip; it's about making disciples of Jesus Christ.

So, my favorite part is hearing stories from people who have been helped by the material.

Stories from folks like Allison Bies, the Federated Church's Adult VBS, this ladies' Bible study group, this family, Uche in Sudan, and this anonymous pastor.

It's a great privilege and joy to be used in ministry.

What's Next?

1. Résister à la médisance!

The French translation has just been released by CLC France in Europe and will soon be released in Quebec by CLC Canada.

I'm particularly excited about this new release because I get to be a part of it in Montreal! On September 25th, Dave Almack and will be traveling up Montreal for the launch of Résister à la médisance. I'll be sharing more about this event as it gets closer.

CLC France has posted the cover, table of contents, the foreword, introduction and a bit of the first chapter in French.

2. "Side by Side."

Next month, Heather and I will be traveling to Virginia Beach to participate in the 2015 CCEF National Conference. I've been asked to teach a breakout session on "Behind the Back: When Side by Side Ministry is Distorted by Gossip."

I love the ministry of CCEF so I consider it a great honor and a high privilege to get to serve in this way. I can't hardly wait!

In preparation for the conference, CCEF ran a new version of my article on how to keep gossip out of prayer requests.



My heart is full of thanks to God for all of these blessings (and also the countless ones I have no idea He's sending me). May He get the glory now and forever.

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"Fire and Stone" - New Album by the Gray Havens

We are rejoicing with our friends, Dave and Licia Radford, who are also our favorite band, The Gray Havens, on the release of their new album "Fire and Stone" on iTunes.

"Fire and Stone" consists of 10 new songs written by the Radfords. It's consistent with the style and themes of their first album "Where Eyes Don't Go" but also develops new evocative sounds, more energy, and even deeper lyrics.

Introduction Video




1. Inheritance

Nautical allusions and allegory with a strong declarative chorus:

We will treasure and we will hold on.
To the light, the light before us.
We'll be confident, we'll be bold
If we know that the Light is for us.

2. Songs in the Night

A searching song about the heart-breaking love of our Savior.



3. The Stone

This was released last Easter season. The "stone" in the song has at least two meanings.

I love how Dave takes that first and last stone and carries it 100 yards for the touchdown!



Get all the lyrics in this video:



4. Sirens

Hold on, my heart!
You've tasted joy that's more than this!

A anthem about defeating temptation by the power of a greater promise. The animated video creatively captures both the feel and the message of the music.



5. Jack and Jill, pt. 2

This is my second favorite song on the album. I first got to hear it at our church when the Radfords first visited us. It's a whimsical feel good song with a glorious message about what Tolkien called "eucatastrophe."

We were feeling new. As if everything sad came untrue. 

The Radfords were kind enough to give us permission to use snippets of "Jack and Jill, pt.2" in each episode of the Resisting Gossip Video Teaching Series. In the blooper video below, we got to play most of the song.



6. Music, They Call Me

Dave loves to write stories and images into his songs. Here he got to personify music itself and tell its story. They go places musically in this one that they weren't able to ever before.

7. Stole My Fame (To: Grace)

This is easily my kids' favorite song on the album. We love to turn up the car radio when it comes on and sing along. It's catchy and fun but at the same time gets across the boast-defeating power of grace. I think that this is the song that makes the most of Licia's voice and shows her range.

I love their recently released video for "Stole My Fame." It's all done in one take and features some musicians from other well-known bands.



8. Under the Mountain

I can't say that I understand all the lyrics in this one, but I know it's about the wonders of heaven and when they soar in the song, I long for "the home of righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13).

Alleluia, welcome home!
Yes, I was home.

9. If the Walls Move

A completely different metaphor for the Christian life.

10. Far Kingdom

My favorite song--full of longing and the anticipation of ever-increasing joy.

There’s a river we will know
Ever clear and ever full
From the fount that overflows
In the light of the King
And when we drink it we will find
That this joy, ever full, will ever rise
And it’ll rise on, in the kingdom
In the kingdom





Have you bought your copy yet? What are you waiting for?!

Congratulations, Dave and Licia, on this milestone. Thank for you "Fire and Stone!"

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"Stole My Fame (To Grace)" by the Gray Havens

I'm like a kid in a candy store. Our favorite band has done it again.

Here is a live version--in one take!--of The Gray Haven's new song "Stole My Fame (To Grace)" from their very-soon-to-be-released album Fire and Stone.

This is one of my favorite songs from the album (my first favorite is "Far Kingdom" and the second is "Jack and Jill (pt. 2)."  It's a song about how grace works and it's super-catchy and fun while getting across an important message.

Enjoy!

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"Sirens" by The Gray Havens

Our favorite band is giving away yet another song!

This time, it's "Sirens" from their soon to be released album Fire and Stone. The free download is over at Justin Taylor's "Between Two Worlds" Blog. Go get it now.

They've also released their first animated video for "Sirens." I love how it tells the story of the song about how temptation works and how to defeat it.

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Intro Video for "Fire and Stone" by the Gray Havens

A new video introducing both our favorite band and their upcoming new release.



Hear Dave and Licia talk about storytelling, love of books, musical depth, variety, and a number of other key ideas. {Also a cameo from their producer, Mitch Dane, about what he loves about their music.}

The background music will sound familiar to those who have viewed The Resisting Gossip Teaching Series!

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"Songs in the Night" Live & Acoustic by the Gray Havens

Our favorite band has done it again. Dave and Licia Radford have given us another music video in advance of their new album's release on January 6th.

It's live and acoustic, and you can just about feel the heat coming off that fire!

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Thank You!

Acknowledgments for Resisting Gossip Together.

I am a grateful man because I am a blessed man.

Thank you, Heather Joy, for your steadfast love through the ups and downs and twists and turns of this “book thing.” I am a blessed husband. I love you.

Thank you, Robin, Andrew, Peter, and Isaac for being such cheerleaders for Daddy’s book. I am a blessed father.

Thank you, Chuck and Anita Mitchell, for your listening ears, earnest counsel, and overwhelming support. I am a blessed son.

Thank you, Lanse Free Church Family, for praying me through this process and for letting me set aside time to write this guide and to produce the videos. We, as a church, are resisting gossip together! I am a blessed pastor.

Thanks, Gary Foster, for ably representing me once again as my intrepid agent. And thank you, David Almack and your growing team at CLC Publications. It’s a humbling joy to see these resources come into existence and help people around the world. Thanks for giving the videos away online! I am a blessed author.

Thank you, Laurel Eriksen, for the webdesign of matt-mitchell.blogspot.com, especially adding the new page with resources for Resisting Gossip Together. And thank you, Elizabeth Nelson, Dennis Wadsworth, and Dan Ledford for some on-the-spot editing at just the right moment. I am blessed to have you as my friends.

Thank you, David Platt, for the idea of adding “together” to the name of the study guide. When I first read Radical Together, I loved the concept of building community around this teaching. That’s what it’s all about!

Thank you, Spencer Folmar of Third Brother Films, for producing the Resisting Gossip Video Series with such high quality. I wouldn’t have believed that it could be so much fun!

I’m really grateful for those folks who opened up their homes, businesses, or other sites for us to shoot the videos “on location.” Thank you, Cody & Holly Crumrine, Jerome Nevling, Tom & Leesa Folmar, Maxine Orwick of the West Branch Dairy Diner (a.k.a. “The Pumpkin House”), Jeff Spanogle and the Clearfield Alliance Christian School, Bob Selfridge of TMM Data, Joe Greenland and the board of the Oak Hill Memorial Cemetery, and Lanse Evangelical Free Church.

Thank you, Susan Stallings, for being my biggest collaborator on this project. Thanks for sharing all of your notes with me from your women’s Bible studies and giving me permission to freely use your ideas for digging deeper–especially those helpful charts. You’ve taught this material on resisting gossip more than anyone but me! I love your commitment to inductive Bible study and not just fluffy storytelling. Thanks also for your lighting-fast and eagle-eyed editing of the first drafts. This little book may not have ever been finished without you, and it certainly wouldn’t have been as good. I am a blessed nephew.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for these people who have blessed me in so many ways. You are the greatest giver and the best gift of all. May you and your Father get all the glory.

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Actor?

The complete Resisting Gossip Video Teaching Series DVD is available now for pre-order on Amazon. It includes all ten lessons (with music by The Gray Havens), 3 book trailers (good for introducing resisting gossip to your church, group, or organization), and the blooper reel. The DVD releases on October 7th in conjunction with Resisting Gossip Together.

The strangest feature is that instead of being listed as an author, I get to be listed as an actor on Amazon.

What's next? An IMDB profile? I don't think I'll quit my day job.

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Blooper Reel

Spencer Folmar's favorite outtakes from filming The Resisting Gossip Teaching Series.


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Bloopers from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

On Location

Now that the entire Resisting Gossip Teaching Series is out, we can show you a little bit of what it was like behind the scenes. In a word: fun.

Special thanks go again to Spencer for his sense of humor and hard work on this project, to the Gray Havens for the use of their fun yet serious song "Jack and Jill, pt 2," and to CLC Publications for giving these away to the online world.

Please Share

Don't forget that these ten videos are all free for streaming, downloading, and sharing. Please pass them on to whomever you think will profit from them. Each film is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with a chapter in Resisting Gossip and a lesson from the new companion book Resisting Gossip Together which comes out in just one week.

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The Resisting Gossip Video Teaching Series

Rejoice with me! The complete series is now online. All ten videos are free for downloading and streaming. Please use them and share them with others.

Special thanks to Spencer Folmar of Third Brother Films for producing, directing, filming, and editing them, to The Gray Havens for the use of your awesome music, to all the folks who opened up their places for us to film on location, and to CLC Publications for giving these films away to the online world.

Tune in Monday for one last video release: the outtakes on the blooper reel.

---

Introduction/Trailer


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Trailer from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Lesson #1: What, Exactly, Is Gossip?


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 1 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Lesson #2: Why Do We Gossip?


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 2 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Lesson #3: A Gallery of Gossips


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 3 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Lesson #4: Believing the Best


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 4 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Lesson #5: Instead of Gossip: Speaking


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 5 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Lesson #6: Instead of Gossip: Listening


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 6 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Lesson #7: Responding in Faith


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 7 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Lesson #8: Responding in Love


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 8 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Lesson #9: Regretting Gossip


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 9 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Lesson #10: Gossip and Our Church


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 10 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Purchase the Entire Series on DVD

The Resisting Gossip Teaching Series is also available on DVD.  The DVD includes all ten video lessons, the blooper reel, and the book trailers for Resisting Gossip and Resisting Gossip Together.

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Lesson #10. "Gossip and Our Church"

I'm pleased to present Lesson #10 of the Resisting Gossip Teaching Series.


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 10 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Introduction

The Lord loves unity among brothers and sisters in Christ. Unity is utterly holy and divinely refreshing. God also hates unnecessary disunity among His people; therefore, we are called as the people of God to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1). Join Pastor Matt Mitchell as he teaches on how glorious unity is and what we can be doing to maintain it in our local fellowships.

On Location

We filmed lesson #10 in an old, white, traditional-country-church-looking building in a very rural part of our county. There was no running water, and (more importantly) no electricity. That meant that we could only use natural lighting and that Spencer's fancy cameras would only be good as long as their batteries held up. We filmed it in the afternoon as the sun began to set--so it was crucial to get as much footage as quickly as possible. We just made it! The batteries died and the light left us just as we were filming the last take.

Please Share

Don't forget that these ten videos are all free for streaming, downloading, and sharing. Please pass them on to whomever you think will profit from them. Each film is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with a chapter in Resisting Gossip and a lesson from the new companion book Resisting Gossip Together which comes out on October 7th.

That's all of them! Tune in Monday as we release the outtakes Spencer gathered for the Blooper Reel.

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Lesson #9. "Regretting Gossip"

I'm pleased to present Lesson #9 of the Resisting Gossip Teaching Series.


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 9 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Introduction

Shame, disgrace, condemnation, self-loathing–these are a few of the feelings we can experience after we give in to what seems like irresistible gossip. We know, deep down, that when we gossip we are offending God and hurting people so it is right to feel deep regret. Join Pastor Matt Mitchell as he teaches on the grace, peace, and light that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ.

On Location

We filmed lesson #9 in a private airplane hanger. During the lesson, the hanger door opens dramatically letting in almost more light than Spencer's cameras could handle. The idea was to vividly picture how the gospel moves us from the darkness of shame and regret in gossip to the light of repentance, forgiveness, cleansing, and joy.

This episode also features the traditional feather pillow and gossip story which we acted out with a real old-fashioned feather pillow (thanks, Becky!) and a leaf-blower (thanks, Tom!).

Please Share

Don't forget that these ten videos are all free for streaming, downloading, and sharing. Please pass them on to whomever you think will profit from them. Each film is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with a chapter in Resisting Gossip and a lesson from the new companion book Resisting Gossip Together which comes out on October 7th.

Tomorrow, we'll release the last lesson, #10: "Regretting Gossip."

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Lesson #8. "Responding in Love"

I'm pleased to present Lesson #8 of the Resisting Gossip Teaching Series.


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 8 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Introduction

What do you do with an enemy? When someone gossips about you, he or she is acting as your enemy. Our culture and our instincts urge us to defend ourselves and to retaliate. But our Lord says to follow His example and love our enemies. Join Pastor Matt Mitchell as he teaches on four love-in-action responses we can use when our opponents have gossiped about us.

On Location

We filmed this at the offices of TMM Data (thank you Bob Selfridge!). Gathering around the water-cooler is another one of those typical times when gossip might flow. I really appreciate the two office guys who were willing to gossip on camera for us.

Please Share

Don't forget that these ten videos are all free for streaming, downloading, and sharing. Please pass them on to whomever you think will profit from them. Each film is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with a chapter in Resisting Gossip and a lesson from the new companion book Resisting Gossip Together which comes out on October 7th.

Tomorrow, we'll release lesson #9: "Regretting Gossip."

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Lesson #7. "Responding in Faith"

I'm pleased to present Lesson #7 of the Resisting Gossip Teaching Series.


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 7 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Introduction

It hurts to be gossiped about. When we find out we’ve been the target of a whispering attack, we feel betrayed, vulnerable, and robbed of our reputation. Caught in that unenviable position, it can be difficult to know what to do. Join Pastor Matt Mitchell as he teaches on how to relate to and trust in God when others are talking about us behind our backs.

On Location

We filmed this seventh video at the war memorial in downtown Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. One of cameras wasn't working in the sunlight, but Spencer was able to get ample footage with the other camera. You can hear the sounds of traffic. It was a chilly, windy day in late March. It was hard to keep my papers from flying off the ubiquitous music stand.

Please Share

Don't forget that these ten videos are all free for streaming, downloading, and sharing. Please pass them on to whomever you think will profit from them. Each film is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with a chapter in Resisting Gossip and a lesson from the new companion book Resisting Gossip Together which comes out on October 7th.

Tomorrow, we'll release lesson #8: "Responding in Love."

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Lesson #6. "Instead of Gossip: Listening"

I'm pleased to present Lesson #6 of the Resisting Gossip Teaching Series.


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 6 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Introduction

We’ve all been ambushed by a gossipy conversation. Whether with friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers, we’ve all been in social situations that unexpectedly took a detour into gossip, and it’s often unclear what we should do in those frequently awkward moments. Join Pastor Matt Mitchell as he teaches about biblical alternatives to listening to sinful gossip.

On Location

Is there a more stereotypical place for gossiping than the beauty parlor? Is there a stranger place to find a preacher with a music stand?

Please Share

Don't forget that these ten videos are all free for streaming, downloading, and sharing. Please pass them on to whomever you think will profit from them. Each film is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with a chapter in Resisting Gossip and a lesson from the new companion book Resisting Gossip Together which comes out on October 7th.

Tomorrow, we'll release lesson #7: "Responding in Faith"

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Ever Increasing Joy

Dave Radford on the backstory of the new Gray Havens song, "Far Kingdom."



Can't wait for their new album to release on January 6th!

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Lesson #5. "Instead of Gossip: Speaking"

I'm pleased to present Lesson #5 of the Resisting Gossip Teaching Series.


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 5 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Introduction

Resisting gossip is not just about what not to do but also what to do. Sometimes, gossip feels irresistible, and we have a hard time seeing any other option than succumbing to the scuttlebutt. But God has something better for us to “put on” than unwholesome talk. Join Pastor Matt Mitchell as he teaches about the godly alternatives that the Lord provides for us to practice instead of speaking gossip.

On Location

We filmed this one in the locker room at Clearfield Alliance Christian School (thanks, Mr. Spanogle!). We borrowed jerseys from their high school basketball team--a tight fit for me! I talked Spencer into including at least one shot of me actually making a basket. I'm afraid there were a lot of missed buckets. That music stand looks a little out of place.

Please Share

Don't forget that these ten videos are all free for streaming, downloading, and sharing. Please pass them on to whomever you think will profit from them. Each film is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with a chapter in Resisting Gossip and a lesson from the new companion book Resisting Gossip Together which comes out on October 7th.

We're half-way there! On Monday, we'll release lesson #6: "Instead of Gossip: Listening."

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Lesson #4. "Believing the Best"

I'm pleased to present Lesson #4 of the Resisting Gossip Teaching Series.


Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Lesson 4 from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

Introduction

Most, if not all, sinful gossip includes the sin of judgmentalism. Before we bear bad news behind someone’s back, our bad hearts have already passed sentence upon that person. Join Pastor Matt Mitchell as he teaches about three main ways that we often go wrong in judging others and how we can grow in believing the best about others instead.

On Location

This is an actual courtroom near where we live. Spencer Folmar, our filmmaker, worked very hard to find authentic locations. This location fit perfectly with the sin of judging others.

Please Share

Don't forget that these ten videos are all free for streaming, downloading, and sharing. Please pass them on to whomever you think will profit from them. Each film is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with a chapter in Resisting Gossip and a lesson from the new companion book Resisting Gossip Together which comes out on October 7th.

Tomorrow, we'll release lesson #5: "Instead of Gossip: Speaking."

Read More