Holy Unhappiness: Releasing expectations and challenging the myth of a ‘good life’
We live in a world with abundant opportunity, wealth, and choices. Yet many of us ask ourselves, “Why am I so unhappy?” In a day where you can have anything at the click of a button, life still ends up being hard. It’s not supposed to be that way. Life is supposed to be good, and happiness is a given, especially as a Christian, right? So what happens when life with God doesn’t align with our expectations?
In this episode, Amanda Held Opelt, author of the compelling book Holy Unhappiness: God, Goodness, and the Myth of the Blessed Life, challenges us to release some of our expectations and seek God in unexpected places. We explore the notion of finding holiness even in our unhappiness and what it means to lean into our pain rather than seeking quick fixes. We’ll also explore how our aversion to sadness and discomfort can hinder our growth and connection with God.
So, whether you’ve questioned the pursuit of constant happiness or felt the pressure of meeting unrealistic expectations, this episode is for you. Listen in as I dive deep with Amanda and explore a new path forward—a path that embraces the complexities of life and reimagines what it truly means to live a blessed life.
About Amanda Held Opelt
Amanda Held Opelt is a speaker, songwriter, and author of the book A Hole in the World: Finding Hope in Rituals of Grief and Healing. She believes in the power of faith, community, ritual, worship, and shared stories to heal even our deepest wounds. Amanda has spent the last 15 years in the non-profit and humanitarian aid sectors. She lives in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina, with her husband and two young daughters.
Key Takeaways:
- Challenge the common belief that constant happiness is a realistic and attainable goal in life.
- Learn to view unhappiness as a valid and even holy experience, allowing for a deeper understanding of one’s emotions.
- Understand that feelings of restlessness or dissatisfaction can coexist even when achieving personal and professional milestones.
- Gain insight into the biblical concept of the curse from Genesis 3, acknowledging that work challenges and frustrations are part of the human condition.
- Discern between cultural and biblical expectations, separating societal norms from true sources of fulfillment and purpose.
Connect with Amanda Held Opelt
To connect with Amanda, you can find her on Instagram, Facebook, and her website.
Resources Mentioned Holy Unhappiness: God, Goodness, and the Myth of Blessed Life by Amanda Held Opelt
