Why do so many of us avoid difficult conversations?

In this episode, Ash and Kate unpack Matthew 5:9 and explore what it really means to be a peacemaker. They discuss the difference between keeping the peace and making peace, why avoiding conflict often creates bigger problems, and how Jesus modelled a different way of handling tension and division.

From people-pleasing and difficult conversations to reconciliation and healthy boundaries, this conversation is a practical reminder that peace isn't found by pretending problems don't exist. It's found when we're willing to lovingly address them.

If you've ever struggled with conflict, found yourself avoiding hard conversations, or wondered how to handle relational tension in a God-honouring way, this episode is for you.

Because real peace isn't about avoiding the issue—it's about helping bring healing where there's division.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." — Matthew 5:9

Why do so many of us avoid difficult conversations?
In this episode, Ash and Kate unpack Matthew 5:9 and explore what it really means to be a peacemaker. They discuss the difference between keeping the peace and making peace, why avoiding conflict often creates bigger problems, and how Jesus modelled a different way of handling tension and division.
From people-pleasing and difficult conversations to reconciliation and healthy boundaries, this conversation is a practical reminder that peace isn't found by pretending problems don't exist. It's found when we're willing to lovingly address them.
If you've ever struggled with conflict, found yourself avoiding hard conversations, or wondered how to handle relational tension in a God-honouring way, this episode is for you.
Because real peace isn't about avoiding the issue&mdash;it's about helping bring healing where there's division.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." &mdash; Matthew 5:9

Everyday Joy

The Conversation You’ve Been Avoiding | Matthew 5:9 with Kate Westwood 

If someone asked whether your closeness to God is based on what you do, most of us would quickly say “no.” On paper, we believe grace covers us and our righteousness isn’t earned.

But sometimes our lives tell a different story.

In this conversation, Ash and Shae unpack Matthew 5:6 — “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” — and wrestle with the tension between believing in grace, yet living under pressure, performance, and constant “doing.”

Ash opens up about a conversation with her psychologist that revealed something deeper: her sense of dissatisfaction wasn’t just burnout, but a pattern of striving — of trying to earn security, approval, and even closeness to God through effort.

Together they explore what it actually means to hunger for God, not just function for Him. Because real faith isn’t about performing well enough to be close to God — it’s about learning to come back to Him as the source of fullness, rest, and satisfaction.

The invitation isn’t more striving. It’s deeper hunger.

If someone asked whether your closeness to God is based on what you do, most of us would quickly say &ldquo;no.&rdquo; On paper, we believe grace covers us and our righteousness isn&rsquo;t earned.
But sometimes our lives tell a different story.
In this conversation, Ash and Shae unpack Matthew 5:6 &mdash; &ldquo;Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled&rdquo; &mdash; and wrestle with the tension between believing in grace, yet living under pressure, performance, and constant &ldquo;doing.&rdquo;
Ash opens up about a conversation with her psychologist that revealed something deeper: her sense of dissatisfaction wasn&rsquo;t just burnout, but a pattern of striving &mdash; of trying to earn security, approval, and even closeness to God through effort.
Together they explore what it actually means to hunger for God, not just function for Him. Because real faith isn&rsquo;t about performing well enough to be close to God &mdash; it&rsquo;s about learning to come back to Him as the source of fullness, rest, and satisfaction.
The invitation isn&rsquo;t more striving. It&rsquo;s deeper hunger.

Hungry for God… or just busy for Him? | Matthew 5:6 with Shaylee

What does real community actually look like?

In this episode, Ash and Shay unpack Galatians 6:2 and the challenge of living out a faith that doesn’t just talk about “community” but actually practices it. From meal trains and late-night calls to simply choosing inconvenience over comfort, they explore what it means to truly carry each other’s burdens.

They talk honestly about how easy it is to want a “village” without ever being willing to be a villager — and how real friendship often shows up in the small, unglamorous moments of consistency and sacrifice.

Because the truth is, community doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built by people who keep showing up, even when it costs them something.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

What does real community actually look like?
In this episode, Ash and Shay unpack Galatians 6:2 and the challenge of living out a faith that doesn&rsquo;t just talk about &ldquo;community&rdquo; but actually practices it. From meal trains and late-night calls to simply choosing inconvenience over comfort, they explore what it means to truly carry each other&rsquo;s burdens.
They talk honestly about how easy it is to want a &ldquo;village&rdquo; without ever being willing to be a villager &mdash; and how real friendship often shows up in the small, unglamorous moments of consistency and sacrifice.
Because the truth is, community doesn&rsquo;t happen by accident. It&rsquo;s built by people who keep showing up, even when it costs them something.
&ldquo;Carry each other&rsquo;s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.&rdquo; &mdash; Galatians 6:2

You Can’t Have a Village Without Being a Villager | Galatians 6:2 with Shaylee 

This episode includes conversation around pregnancy loss—please listen with care and discretion.

What do you do when life feels painfully lonely, especially in the moments you never expected to walk through?

In this episode, Ash and Shaylee unpack Matthew 5:4 and talk honestly about grief, mourning, and the comfort that God promises in the middle of it. From the reality of walking through miscarriage and hospital visits alone, to the quiet ways God brings unexpected support through people and moments of compassion, this conversation explores what it means to feel seen when everything feels isolating.

They reflect on the truth that mourning is a part of life on this side of eternity, but it is never meaningless and never unseen by God. Even when there are no easy answers or instant healing, God is still present, still comforting, and still working in ways we may not immediately recognise.

This episode is a reminder that pain is real, grief is valid, and you are never as alone as it feels.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4

This episode includes conversation around pregnancy loss&mdash;please listen with care and discretion.
What do you do when life feels painfully lonely, especially in the moments you never expected to walk through?
In this episode, Ash and Shaylee unpack Matthew 5:4 and talk honestly about grief, mourning, and the comfort that God promises in the middle of it. From the reality of walking through miscarriage and hospital visits alone, to the quiet ways God brings unexpected support through people and moments of compassion, this conversation explores what it means to feel seen when everything feels isolating.
They reflect on the truth that mourning is a part of life on this side of eternity, but it is never meaningless and never unseen by God. Even when there are no easy answers or instant healing, God is still present, still comforting, and still working in ways we may not immediately recognise.
This episode is a reminder that pain is real, grief is valid, and you are never as alone as it feels.
&ldquo;Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.&rdquo; &mdash; Matthew 5:4

The Conversation You’ve Been Avoiding | Matthew 5:9 with Kate Westwood

In 1 playlist(s)

Everyday Joy

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips