How do we find hope when the world feels overwhelming, our faith is shaken, or the future seems uncertain? In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman joins chaplain Reverend Ellen Corcella and psychologist Dr. Natalie Hamrick for a powerful conversation about moving beyond despair and discovering new possibilities through faith, creativity, and action.
Tara shares how creating a community mural became an unexpected source of hope for both herself and a stranger having a difficult day. Dr. Hamrick explores how attachment theory can deepen our relationship with God, challenge the belief that love must be earned, and help us release shame in favor of divine acceptance. Reverend Corcella reflects on how taking meaningful action—even when we cannot predict the outcome—can help us face uncertainty with courage.
Together, they explore spiritual struggles, church hurt, unconditional love, and the power of small acts of creativity and compassion to inspire others. The episode also includes a guided meditation inviting you to release shame, embrace God's love, and reconnect with your worth and purpose.
Discover how to cultivate hope even in difficult times, trust in possibilities you cannot yet see, and take the next faithful step toward a more loving world. Because hope isn't about waiting for certainty. It's about choosing to create, love, and act even when the way forward is unclear.
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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.
