by David Tensen | 5 Apr, 2023 | Church -, Shame
There was a time, not long ago, that I looked at the cross as a symbol of love. This message was reinforced by shirts, logos, and even skywriting at Easter time. But a message that love looks like a form of excruciating punishment is beginning to melt away for me. For...
by David Tensen | 9 Apr, 2022 | All, Church -, leadership, Shame, Transformation
It is almost a decade since I went into voluntary bankruptcy. In 2006 Natalie and I had sold up and sold out to do missions work in Japan. We returned in 2008 with our second child due . As it happened, we landed back in Australia on the doorstep of the Global...
by David Tensen | 15 Feb, 2021 | All, Resource, Shame, Transformation
The deconstruction of a person’s faith seems to have gained popularity over the past few years. From my view, increasingly more podcasts, books, courses and articles seem to be made and released every year. Heck, I’ve mentioned it a few times....
by David Tensen | 13 May, 2020 | All, Poetry, Resource, Shame
Good news, the interview I did via Facebook LIVE with Wm Paul Young was recorded and is now on YouTube to watch (or listen to). It had over 10,000 views on Facebook and lots of amazing feedback. I think you’ll like it. Here is the link:...
by David Tensen | 3 Mar, 2019 | All, Australia, parenting, Shame
‘Do you know what I like most about you, Cadell?’ I asked my 8-year-old, as I looked in his eyes. ‘What? My lego skills? My hugs?’ He replied. Eyes wide, hoping to get it right. I shook my head. ’All of you, son. Good night.’ That’s been my thing this week...
by David Tensen | 25 Feb, 2019 | All, Shame, Transformation
I’m going to tread carefully but unapologetically here among my evangelical and charismatic friends. Partly because many loved/popular preachers have given sermons on this topic, written books on the topic, and filled altars with troubled souls based on this topic....
by David Tensen | 2 Nov, 2018 | All, Church -, General News, health, leadership, original thoughts, Shame, Transformation
Person A: “I’m in pain. I need help.” Person B: “OK… I see,” Person A: “OK??! Well, I’m telling you because I need you to be here for me. I need someone to care… and possibly help me too!” Right here, at this point, any number...
by David Tensen | 13 Apr, 2018 | All, Church -, family, health, leadership, Resource, Shame, Transformation
[read time 4-5 minutes] What if your profession brought you instant credibility, trust, and influence? You don’t need to become President, Prime Minister, a doctor or police officer to gain these – just become a church leader. Yes, research suggests that clergy...
by David Tensen | 28 Mar, 2018 | All, General News, Shame
[4-5 minute read] I recently came across this extract by author Khalil Gibran. It spoke to me deeply. “Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears. And how else can it be? The...
by David Tensen | 6 Mar, 2018 | All, Church -, family, General News, health, leadership, Shame, Social Media, Transformation
She’s laying on her bed, iPad in hand. Eyes fully fixed on the screen. “What are you up to?” These are five words my teenage daughter is used to hearing from her parents as they pop their head across the threshold of her bedroom. The speed and tone...
by David Tensen | 2 Jun, 2017 | All, Shame
It’s a question we seldom voice but is being answered anyway. A multitude of images, voices, nuances, remind us daily, without fail, that we are ‘not [_____] enough. [insert: fit, smart, wealthy, liked, connected, fashionable, loved, respected,...
by David Tensen | 7 May, 2017 | All, Shame
When we know we have compromised a relationship by breaching boundaries, guilt makes its way into the garden of our conscious. Healthy guilt potentially turns toxic and becomes shame. Shame takes root as creative avoidance of the issue or the other we have...
by David Tensen | 6 May, 2017 | All, leadership, Shame, Transformation
Learning is actually a declaration of vulnerability because it requires an admission of not knowing. As children, we aren’t aware of the risk of admission but slowly shame writes its story deep in our hearts and emphasizes the NOT knowing ENOUGH. If you’ve...
