Welcome to the first episode of Summer Snippets! In this episode, we look at the complex topic of adoption, focusing on the unplanned removal of children from their families and the systemic issues within the foster care system. We'll discuss these children's challenges, the importance of family reunification, and potential solutions for creating a more supportive system.

Info from this episode:

US Dept of Health and Human Services Adoption and Foster Care statistics

Family First State Plans and Enacted Legislation

How to connect with Kristen:

⁠Website⁠

⁠Jesus, Justice + Mercy IG⁠

email: kristen@kristenannette.com

As we finish Season 1, Episode 17 is a short episode exploring the "School to Prison Pipeline," a critical issue pushing at-risk children from classrooms into the justice system, highlighting its devastating impact on marginalized communities. We'll explore the alarming incarceration rates in the U.S., particularly among Black Americans, and the systemic factors contributing to these disparities. Referencing the documentary "13th," Kristen illustrates how policies have inflated prison populations and perpetuated racial biases.

We’ll also examine juvenile incarceration's long-term effects, its role in perpetuating poverty, and the disparities in school discipline that feed into this cycle. Despite some reforms, much work remains. Join Kristen as we challenge our biases, seek understanding, and strive to embody the love and compassion Jesus taught us.

ACLU report on unjust Crack Cocaine laws.

Sentencing Project Report on Youth Justice

Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice Report

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How to connect with Kristen:

⁠Website⁠

⁠Jesus, Justice + Mercy IG⁠

email: kristen@kristenannette.com

In Episode 16 Kristen opens up about a deeply personal experience involving her 18-year-old son's mental health crisis. The episode, marked by vulnerability and raw emotion, explores the challenges of parenting a child with mental health struggles stemming from childhood trauma. She recounts the harrowing events of her son's crisis, from an early morning discovery of his distress to seeking emergency help and navigating the complexities of mental health, faith, and the relentless pursuit of hope in the face of adversity.

Throughout the episode, she reflects on the intersection of faith, prayer, and the pain of unanswered prayers, grappling with the tension between believing in miracles and confronting the harsh realities of ongoing suffering. Sharing a poignant exploration of biblical promises of restoration and healing, finding solace and hope in the midst of despair, Kristen calls on listeners to support those in their communities who are silently battling similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of empathy, prayer, and solidarity.

How to connect with Kristen:

⁠Website⁠

⁠Jesus, Justice + Mercy IG⁠

email: kristen@kristenannette.com

This week, we look at the intricate intersections of poverty, race, and the foster care system, offering a deep exploration rather than mere observation. With a compassionate yet critical lens, this episode seeks to unravel the complexities surrounding these issues. In this installment, Kristen delves into real-life stories with authenticity, seamlessly weaving them with insightful data to prompt listeners to confront their biases and preconceptions. Through thought-provoking narratives and compelling statistics, the podcast challenges its audience to grapple with uncomfortable truths, leaving listeners with a sense of urgency and a call to faith-based engagement about systemic injustices.

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Foster Care Data

Foster The City

Help One Child

SF Chronicle article on racial profiling

Disparities in black healthcare article

Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment

How to connect with Kristen:

⁠Website⁠

⁠Jesus, Justice + Mercy IG⁠

email: kristen@kristenannette.com

In this heartfelt episode of Jesus, Justice, and Mercy, we embark on a deeply personal journey with our host, Kristen, as she shares her experiences with foster care, adoption, and childhood trauma. As May highlights National Foster Care Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, she delves into the complexities of these intersecting issues, offering poignant insights and reflections.

From navigating the foster care system as a single parent to advocating for trauma-informed care, listeners are invited to join a conversation that seeks to understand, empathize, and inspire action. Tune in as we explore the intersections of faith, resilience, and social justice, contemplating the church's vital role in supporting vulnerable populations and fostering a community of compassion and healing.

Foster Care Data

How to connect with Kristen:

⁠Website⁠

⁠Jesus, Justice + Mercy IG⁠

email: kristen@kristenannette.com

In episode thirteen, we look at the intricate dynamics of poverty in the United States, unraveling its multifaceted nature and shedding light on its far-reaching impacts. Through exploring data, personal anecdotes, and historical insights, Kristen helps us navigate the layers of systemic barriers perpetuating inequity.

Drawing upon Christian principles and teachings, we examine past and present responses to poverty within the church, inviting listeners to reflect on their roles in fostering social justice and equity. Ultimately, this episode serves as a call to action, urging us to confront biases, advocate for systemic change, and embody compassion in our pursuit of a more just society.

The U.S. is the top country for millionaires and billionaires

Huff Post Article on EBT funds

Report on Orphanages by the MN Dept of Health and Human Service

Keller: Generous Justice, How Gods Grace makes us Just

Hughes, Power and Poverty

Center for American Progress data

Reach out to me if you are specifically curious about places in Scripture that I mentioned in this episode!

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How to connect with Kristen:

⁠Website⁠

⁠Jesus, Justice + Mercy IG⁠

email: kristen@kristenannette.com

Welcome to Jesus, Justice, and Mercy, Episode 12!

In this thought-provoking episode, Kristen dives into the concept of 'othering' and its profound impact on society, particularly in the context of US history and immigration policies.

From exploring the roots of xenophobia to challenging fear-based narratives, we examine how these dynamics shape our perceptions and interactions with others.

Join us as we not only navigate through history, statistics, and personal reflections to uncover the complexities of identity, power, and reconciliation in our pursuit of a more just and compassionate world through our lens of faith. Don't miss out on this insightful exploration of faith, justice, and the human experience.

America for Americans: A history of xenophobia in the United States by Erika Lee

Great Mystics and Social Justice: Walking on the Two Feet of Love by Susan Rakoczy

Study on Immigration and Crime

Patricia Carabez story

Refugee data

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How to connect with Kristen:

⁠Website⁠

⁠Jesus, Justice + Mercy IG⁠

email: kristen@kristenannette.com

In episode 11, we dive into the profound concept of Jubilee as outlined in the Old Testament. Join Kristen as she explores the connections between ancient laws and contemporary reflections on justice and equity. Discover how the principles of Jubilee offer timeless wisdom for navigating socio-economic challenges and fostering community solidarity.

From the earliest documentation of taxation to the radical principles of economic justice, we unravel the layers of significance behind Jubilee and explore biblical passages and historical contexts to understand how Jubilee aimed to prevent cycles of poverty and promote societal restoration. Journey with us as we examine the parallels between the Old Testament narrative and the teachings of Jesus, finding resonance in themes of freedom, redemption, and communal responsibility. Finally, we are encouraged to reflect on the implications of Jubilee for contemporary society and the role of the church in addressing systemic injustices.

Join in as we contemplate the intersection of faith, social action, and transformative love.

Black Maternal Health
Someone to follow:

ThePhDmamma

Places to find data:
2023 March of Dimes report card,

Morehouse School of Medicine Center for Maternal Health Equity

Black Mamas Matter Toolkit

Jesus, Justice + Mercy episode 2: Black Maternal Health Data

How to connect with Kristen:

⁠Website⁠

⁠Jesus, Justice + Mercy IG⁠

email: kristen@kristenannette.com