Be Still: A Walking with Purpose Podcast

Luke 7:36–50 + Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Jesus could have taught in lectures, but instead, He told stories. His listeners were captivated by stories about fathers and sons, widows and judges, banquets and vineyards, lost coins, unexpected neighbors, and servants waiting in the night. At first glance, the parables in the Gospel of Luke seem simple. But beneath these familiar stories lies a deeper invitation—not merely to understand the symbolism of the parables, but to be transformed by them.
In this series of the Be Still podcast, Lisa journeys through some of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each episode pairs Scripture with a memorable work of literature, exploring how great stories help us recognize ourselves in Jesus' teaching and encounter the heart of God in a fresh way.
Together we'll discover that the parables are not just stories Jesus told long ago. They are stories that continue to tell the truth about us—and about the God who is still seeking, forgiving, inviting, and restoring His people today.
In today’s episode, Lisa explores the parable of the two debtors in Luke 7, pairing one of Jesus' most unforgettable parables with one of the greatest novels ever written. Why do some people respond to God's grace with overwhelming love while others remain untouched by it? In this gospel, a woman known for her sinful past pours out extravagant love at Jesus' feet, while Simon the Pharisee watches with quiet judgment. Jesus responds with a simple story about two debtors—and reveals a truth that has the power to change every human heart.
Alongside this gospel account, Lisa explores Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, where Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert embody two radically different ways of understanding righteousness, mercy, and grace.
Together, these stories ask the same question:
Will we come to God holding a résumé—or with empty hands?
Lisa explores:
Why Jesus tells Simon a story instead of condemning him
What the woman at Simon's table understood that Simon missed
Why forgiveness is a gift we receive, not something we earn
The striking parallels between Simon the Pharisee and Inspector Javert
How Jean Valjean's transformation begins with an unexpected act of mercy
Why grace doesn't minimize sin—it transforms sinners
What Jesus meant when He said, "He who is forgiven little loves little"
How recognizing our own need for mercy changes the way we see everyone else
Whether you've read Les Misérables many times or have never opened its pages, this episode is an invitation to encounter the heart of the gospel again—to discover that grace is not a reward for the worthy but a gift for those who know they need it.
Journaling Questions
Where am I tempted to come to God with a résumé instead of empty hands? In what area of my life am I subtly trying to earn His love or approval rather than simply receiving His grace?
Is there someone I have quietly defined by their worst mistake? Ask the Lord to help you see that person through His eyes, remembering that His grace has the power to transform every human heart.
Key ScriptureLuke 7:36–50.
Show MentionLisa Brenninkmeyer, Spiritual Motherhood: The Transforming Power of the Feminine Genius is now available in our shop. 
Let’s stay connected.Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. 
Stay in the know. Connect with us today. 
We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.
Learn more about WWP on our website.Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Luke 10:25-37 (Parable of the Good Samaritan) + A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Jesus could have taught in lectures, but instead, He told stories. His listeners were captivated by stories about fathers and sons, widows and judges, banquets and vineyards, lost coins, unexpected neighbors, and servants waiting in the night. At first glance, the parables in the Gospel of Luke seem simple. But beneath these familiar stories lies a deeper invitation—not merely to understand the symbolism of the parables, but to be transformed by them.
In this series of the Be Still podcast, Lisa journeys through some of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each episode pairs Scripture with a memorable work of literature, exploring how great stories help us recognize ourselves in Jesus' teaching and encounter the heart of God in a fresh way.
Together we'll discover that the parables are not just stories Jesus told long ago. They are stories that continue to tell the truth about us—and about the God who is still seeking, forgiving, inviting, and restoring His people today.
"Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." (Luke 10:36–37)
Who is my neighbor?
It's a question that seems simple until Jesus answers it with a story.
In this episode, Lisa reflects on the Parable of the Good Samaritan alongside Fredrik Backman's bestselling novel A Man Called Ove. At first glance, Ove appears to be little more than a grumpy old man who pushes everyone away. But as his neighbors refuse to give up on him, we're reminded that every person carries a story we cannot fully see.
Jesus' parable invites us to look beyond excuses, fears, and convenience to discover what mercy really looks like. The priest saw a risk. The Levite saw a reason to keep walking. The Samaritan saw a neighbor.
Together, Scripture and story remind us that compassion is rarely dramatic. More often, it looks like crossing the road, interrupting our plans, and choosing to move toward another person's needs. In doing so, we often discover that God transforms our own hearts as much as the life we're trying to help.
In this episode, we explore:
Why does Jesus answer, "Who is my neighbor?" by showing us what it means to become a neighbor.
What the priest and the Levite reveal about the ways we justify withholding mercy.
How A Man Called Ove reminds us that every difficult person has a story we cannot fully see.
Why mercy almost always requires inconvenience.
How ordinary acts of compassion become the very places where God changes both the giver and the receiver.
What it looks like to "cross the road" in our own daily lives.
Journaling Questions
When I hesitate to help someone, what is usually holding me back? Is it fear of the cost, uncertainty about what to do, the assumption that someone else is better equipped, or something else entirely?
Is there someone God has placed in my path—not to solve all of their problems—but simply to move toward with compassion this week? What would "crossing the road" look like in that relationship?
Key ScriptureLuke 10:25–37.
Presenting SponsorOur presenting sponsor is Verità. Verità is a Catholic women’s ministry awakening women to their dignity as beloved daughters of God through truth, beauty and grace. Verità invites you to join them on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi March 6–14, 2027. If your heart has been longing for more-more peace, more purpose, more intimacy with Jesus, perhaps this is your invitation. To learn more or reserve your place, visit https://lolekpilgrimage.org/2027verita or @Verita.Mission on Instagram.
Show MentionIf you're not in a Walking with Purpose parish program, it's time to find out just how amazing the parish experience can be. Join us for this 25-minute virtual event and discover how WWP effectively brings women closer to the love of Christ and their parish communities. Register now!
Let’s stay connected.Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. 
Stay in the know. Connect with us today. 
We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.
Learn more about WWP on our website.Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Luke 12:13–21 (The Parable of the Rich Fool) + The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Jesus could have taught in lectures, but instead, He told stories. His listeners were captivated by stories about fathers and sons, widows and judges, banquets and vineyards, lost coins, unexpected neighbors, and servants waiting in the night. At first glance, the parables in the Gospel of Luke seem simple. But beneath these familiar stories lies a deeper invitation—not merely to understand the symbolism of the parables, but to be transformed by them.
In this series of the Be Still podcast, Every Good Story Whispers the Gospel, Lisa journeys through some of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each episode pairs Scripture with a memorable work of literature, exploring how great stories help us recognize ourselves in Jesus' teaching and encounter the heart of God in a fresh way.
Together we'll discover that the parables are not just stories Jesus told long ago. They are stories that continue to tell the truth about us—and about the God who is still seeking, forgiving, inviting, and restoring His people today.
How often do we stop long enough to ask whether the life we're building is the one God is calling us to live?
In this episode of Be Still, Lisa pairs Kazuo Ishiguro's masterful novel The Remains of the Day with Jesus' parable of the rich fool. At first glance, these stories seem to have little in common. But together they reveal the quiet danger of living without honest self-reflection.
As Mr. Stevens looks back over a lifetime of unquestioning loyalty, and the rich fool confidently plans for an even more prosperous future, both men reveal how easy it is to settle into assumptions that never get brought before God. Their stories invite us to ask a difficult but life-giving question: Where might I have a blind spot?
Jesus leaves the parable unfinished, inviting each of us to enter the story ourselves. Rather than defending our own perspectives or seeking to justify ourselves, we are invited to become people who welcome God's loving examination of our hearts. This kind of humility is not a threat to our dignity—it is the path to becoming truly rich toward God.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Why honest self-examination is essential for spiritual growth.
What The Remains of the Day reveals about misplaced loyalty and the cost of an unquestioned life.
Why Jesus refuses to settle an inheritance dispute and instead addresses the deeper condition of the human heart.
How self-justification keeps us isolated while humility opens us to grace.
What it means to become "rich toward God."
Journaling Questions
Where have I become so comfortable in my way of seeing the world that I no longer invite Jesus to challenge me?
What gifts—my time, possessions, influence, or abilities—have I quietly begun to think of as "mine" rather than God's?
Key ScriptureLuke 12:13–21. The Parable of the Rich Fool
Presenting SponsorOur presenting sponsor is Verità. Verità is a Catholic women’s ministry awakening women to their dignity as beloved daughters of God through truth, beauty and grace. Verità invites you to join them on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi March 6–14, 2027. If your heart has been longing for more-more peace, more purpose, more intimacy with Jesus, perhaps this is your invitation. To learn more or reserve your place, visit https://lolekpilgrimage.org/2027verita or @Verita.Mission on Instagram.
Show MentionsLisa Brenninkmeyer, Sisters of Strength
Lisa Brenninkmeyer and Katie Brenninkmeyer, Heart of Vines: An Invitation to Escape the Life that is Slowly Killing You
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Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Heart of Vines Masterclass on our YouTube channel.
Let’s stay connected.Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. 
Stay in the know. Connect with us today. 
We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.
Learn more about WWP on our website.Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.