Parenting: The Complex and Beautiful Vocation of Raising Children with Holly Taylor Coolman

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of violence and weapons, which may be emotionally sensitive for some listeners. In this episode of Mess Makes Meaning, Joy and Raenelle engage in a thoughtful and at times difficult conversation about the realities of violence in our world. Together with guest Hannah Rose Martin, co-founder of RAWtools and co-author of Sparking Peace, they explore what it means to speak honestly about violence while also holding space for hope, transformation, and peace. Hannah shares the story and mission behind RAWtools, an organization committed to turning instruments of violence into tools for gardening and life-giving work. Through this powerful work, she invites us to consider how change can emerge from the very places where harm has been present, and how communities can participate in practices of healing and restoration. Throughout the conversation, Joy, Raenelle, and Hannah reflect on the importance of language, truth-telling, and imagination in shaping a more peaceful world. They explore how naming hard realities does not diminish hope, but instead deepens our capacity to respond with courage and compassion. This episode offers a grounded and reflective space for listeners to consider violence, peace, and the ways transformation can take root in both personal and collective life.

In this episode of Mess Makes Meaning, hosts Joy and Raenelle welcome back pastor and author Meredith Miller to discuss her newest book, Wonder: 52 Conversations to Help Kids Fall in Love with Scripture. Together, they explore what it means to nurture children’s spirituality through presence, storytelling, and curiosity. Meredith invites parents and caregivers to shift from being “experts” in faith to becoming guides who walk alongside their children. Rather than striving for perfect answers, she encourages adults to meet children’s questions and doubts with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to wonder together. Throughout the conversation, Meredith highlights the power of God-centered storytelling as a way to help children engage with Scripture, including the more complex and difficult narratives found within the Bible. By creating space for honest reflection and shared exploration, families can build deeper trust and connection in their spiritual conversations. This episode offers practical encouragement for parents and caregivers who want to support their children’s spiritual journeys in meaningful and life-giving ways. Join us as we explore how curiosity, presence, and storytelling can help children fall in love with Scripture and discover a faith that grows with them.