Unlocking Faith S2E8 | Jesse Jackson & The Leaders God Chooses

In this episode of Unlocking Faith, Marquis Wadley and Dr. Emory Berry Jr. honor the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson and explore what his leadership teaches us about faith, calling, mentorship, and generational impact.

What kind of leaders does God choose?

Throughout Scripture and history, God rarely chooses the polished or the perfect. From Moses to David to Peter, the biblical pattern is clear: God qualifies the called — not the qualified.

As we reflect on Jesse Jackson’s role in the civil rights movement and the Black church tradition, we dive into:

• Christian leadership and personal growth
• Faith and activism in the Black community
• Calling versus credentials
• Mentorship and raising the next generation
• The power of affirmation and transparency
• Why leadership is about presence, not perfection

Leadership is not about fame. It’s about faithfulness.
You never know who’s watching how you move.

👇 Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson

05:21 What Kind of Leaders Does God Choose?

09:36 The Call and Qualification in Leadership

13:40 Mentorship and Raising the Next Generation

20:36 The Importance of Affirmation and Transparency

25:33 Final Thoughts and Closing Prayer

🔑 Keywords:

#UnlockingFaith #JesseJackson #ChristianLeadership #BlackChurch #FaithAndLeadership #GodsCalling #BiblicalLeadership #CivilRightsLegacy #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipDevelopment #FaithPodcast #ChristianPodcast

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Marquis Wadley
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@mw2alpha]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/mw2alpha/]

Dr. Emory Berry Jr.
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@emoryberryjr]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/emoryberry/]

📢 Join the Conversation:
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🔓 Unlocking Faith

An honest faith podcast creating a safe space to ask hard questions about God, church, and life—without judgment or pressure.

No sermons. Just real talk. 💛

Unlocking Faith S2E7 | Is Valentine’s Day Biblical? What Scripture Really Says About Love

Is Valentine’s Day Biblical? ❤️📖

In this episode of the Unlocking Faith Podcast, Marquis Wadley and Dr. Emory Berry Jr. dive deep into one big question: What does the Bible really say about Valentine’s Day? 🤔💭

While Valentine’s Day is not directly mentioned in Scripture, the Bible says A LOT about love — and that’s where the real conversation begins. 💡

We explore:
• What the Bible says about love ❤️
• The difference between cultural love and biblical love 💔✝️
• Covenant love vs emotion-based love 💍
• The four Greek words for love: Agape, Phileo, Storge, and Eros 📚
• Why Valentine’s Day can feel joyful for some… and heavy for others 😔
• How societal pressure shapes our expectations around love 💐💸

Don’t let culture define love louder than Scripture. 📖🔥

👇 Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:52 Valentine's Day: A Biblical Perspective

05:58 Understanding Love: Biblical Definitions

08:34 The Emotional Depth of Love

11:07 Valentine's Day: A Double-Edged Sword

14:21 Covenant Love Explained

17:06 The Importance of Grace in Love

20:02 Conclusion and Reflections

🔑 Keywords:

#ValentinesDay #IsValentinesDayBiblical #BiblicalLove #WhatDoesTheBibleSay #ChristianPodcast #FaithBasedPodcast #UnlockingFaith #ChristianContent #CovenantLove #AgapeLove #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #ChristianMarriage #SinglesInChrist #LoveAccordingToTheBible #FaithAndCulture #1Corinthians13 #GodIsLove #GraceInRelationships #ChristianConversations

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Marquis Wadley
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@mw2alpha]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/mw2alpha/]

Dr. Emory Berry Jr.
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@emoryberryjr]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/emoryberry/]

📢 Join the Conversation:
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🔓 Unlocking Faith

An honest faith podcast creating a safe space to ask hard questions about God, church, and life—without judgment or pressure.

No sermons. Just real talk. 💛

Unlocking Faith S2E6 | ICE and Immigration Through a Biblical Lens

🌍📖 In this episode of the Unlocking Faith Podcast, hosts Marquis Wadley and Dr. Emory Berry, Jr. explore the conversation around immigration through a biblical lens amid ongoing discussions about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Rather than taking a political stance 🏛️🚫, this episode focuses on what Scripture says about immigrants, strangers, and sojourners—and how Christians are called to respond with love, dignity, and wisdom ❤️🤝.

The discussion highlights biblical justice, accountability, and compassion while acknowledging the brokenness of the current immigration system. Listeners are encouraged to engage through prayer 🙏🏾, respectful dialogue 🗣️, and civic participation 🗳️, while supporting immigrant communities in meaningful ways.

👇 Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:43 Opening Prayer and Setting the Stage

03:05 Biblical Perspectives on Immigration

05:58 The Role of ICE and Its Impact

08:24 Finding Middle Ground in Immigration Discussions

10:59 Practical Steps for Supporting Immigrants

14:04 The Importance of Voting and Civic Engagement

16:28 Accountability and Diverse Perspectives

19:21 Navigating Differences in Opinions

21:33 The Need for Systemic Reform

25:17 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

30:38 Season 2 Outro - Final.mp4

🔑 Keywords:

#UnlockingFaith #FaithAndImmigration #ICE #BiblicalLens #ChristianLiving #WelcomingTheStranger #PrayerWorks #FaithInAction #ChristianPodcast #MeaningfulConversations

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Marquis Wadley
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@mw2alpha]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/mw2alpha/]

Dr. Emory Berry Jr.
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@emoryberryjr]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/emoryberry/]

📢 Join the Conversation:
Have a question or topic you want covered? Submit anonymously or directly by following the link [https://tinyurl.com/UFgoogleform]

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🔓 Unlocking Faith

An honest faith podcast creating a safe space to ask hard questions about God, church, and life—without judgment or pressure.

No sermons. Just real talk. 💛

🎙️ Unlocking Faith S2E5 | The Sandwich Generation

In this episode of Unlocking Faith, hosts Marquis Wadley and Dr. Emory Berry Jr. have a heartfelt, faith-centered conversation about the sandwich generation—those caring for aging parents while still raising children and supporting grandchildren 🥪👵🏾👶🏾.

💬 The hosts unpack the emotional, spiritual, and financial weight that comes with being pulled in multiple directions, while exploring what Scripture says about honoring parents, raising children, and navigating exhaustion without guilt. They talk honestly about boundaries, self-care, and why feeling worn out doesn’t mean you lack faith—it means you’re human.

🙏🏾 This episode offers encouragement for caregivers who feel stretched thin, reminding listeners that God sees the unseen labor, values rest, and calls us to carry responsibility with wisdom and grace.

🎧 Tune in, reflect, and be reminded—you don’t have to carry it all alone.

👇 Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:59 Understanding the Sandwich Generation

06:34 Navigating Responsibilities and Prioritization

10:35 The Importance of Boundaries and Self-Care

14:41 Complexities of Caregiving

18:13 Finding Support and Resources

21:44 Faith and Perseverance in Difficult Times

26:04 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

28:40 Season 2 Outro - Final.mp4

🔑 Keywords:

#UnlockingFaith #TheSandwichGeneration #FaithAndFamily #CaregivingLife #AgingParents #BetweenGenerations #CaregiverSupport #MentalHealthMatters #HealthyBoundaries #SelfCareIsFaith #ChristianPodcast #FaithInRealLife

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🤝 Connect with Our Hosts

Marquis Wadley
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@mw2alpha]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/mw2alpha/]

Dr. Emory Berry Jr.
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@emoryberryjr]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/emoryberry/]

📢 Join the Conversation:
Have a question or topic you want covered? Submit anonymously or directly by following the link [https://tinyurl.com/UFgoogleform]

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🔓 Unlocking Faith

An honest faith podcast creating a safe space to ask hard questions about God, church, and life—without judgment or pressure.

No sermons. Just real talk. 💛

Unlocking Faith S1E14 | Faith, Healing, and Being Enough

In this powerful episode of the Unlocking Faith Podcast, host Marquis Wadley sits down with Dr. Emory Berry Jr. for a real and honest conversation about faith, healing, and self-worth 🙏🏾💙.

Together, they explore what true healing really looks like—addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of our lives. The discussion dives into how faith plays a vital role in the healing process, while also confronting a common struggle many believers face: feeling “not good enough” for God 😔➡️✨.

This episode reminds listeners that our worth isn’t based on performance, perfection, or personal achievements—but on our identity in Jesus Christ 📖✝️. You’ll also hear practical, grounded advice on how prayer, scripture, and therapy can work together to support mental and spiritual health 🧠💬.

Whether you’re navigating emotional wounds, wrestling with self-doubt, or seeking a deeper understanding of God’s love, this conversation offers encouragement, clarity, and hope 🌱💡.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and take the next step in your faith journey.

👇 Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Opening Prayer

01:37 The Role of Faith in Healing

09:20 Practical Ways to Use Faith in Healing

12:30 Feeling Not Good Enough for God

25:37 Scriptural Insights on Healing and Worthiness

29:26 Unlocking Faith Outro.mp4

🔑 Keywords:

#FaithAndHealing #ChristianPodcast #SelfWorthInChrist #MentalHealthAndFaith #HealingThroughFaith #FeelingNotGoodEnough #IdentityInChrist #ChristianEncouragement #SpiritualHealing #UnlockingFaith

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Marquis Wadley
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@mw2alpha]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/mw2alpha/]

Dr. Emory Berry Jr.
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@emoryberryjr]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/emoryberry/]

📢 Join the Conversation:
Have a question or topic you want covered? Submit anonymously or directly by following the link [https://tinyurl.com/UFgoogleform]

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YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@UnlockingFaith3/shorts

🔓 Unlocking Faith

An honest faith podcast creating a safe space to ask hard questions about God, church, and life—without judgment or pressure.

No sermons. Just real talk. 💛

Unlocking Faith S1E10 | Faith & Life: Shaping Perspectives Beyond the Surface

In this milestone episode of the Unlocking Faith Podcast, hosts Marquis Wadley and Emory Berry Jr. celebrate their 10th episode with a candid and thought-provoking conversation on the impact of faith on life, relationships, and eternity 🙏🏾🎉.

They explore how faith shapes our perspectives, decisions, and personal connections, and how belief influences the way we love, lead, and live daily 💬💙. The discussion also dives into the often-asked question of life after death, offering insights grounded in biblical teaching and Christian theology 📖✨.

This episode encourages listeners to reflect deeply on their faith, consider how it informs their worldview, and take intentional steps toward spiritual growth. The hosts close with a call to action to stay engaged, grow deeper in faith, and continue the journey alongside the Unlocking Faith community 🔥🎧.

👇 Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Celebration of Milestones

02:06 The Impact of Faith on Life Perspectives

05:54 Faith and Relationships: Navigating Connections

11:25 Understanding Life After Death

15:17 Conclusion and Reflections

16:15 Unlocking Faith Outro.mp4

🔑 Keywords:

#FaithAndLife #LifeAfterDeath #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndRelationships #BiblicalTruth #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianConversations #FaithJourney #EternalPerspective #UnlockingFaith

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🤝 Connect with Our Hosts

Marquis Wadley
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@mw2alpha]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/mw2alpha/]

Dr. Emory Berry Jr.
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@emoryberryjr]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/emoryberry/]

📢 Join the Conversation:
Have a question or topic you want covered? Submit anonymously or directly by following the link [https://tinyurl.com/UFgoogleform]

📲 Follow Unlocking Faith on Social Media
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YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@UnlockingFaith3/shorts

🔓 Unlocking Faith

An honest faith podcast creating a safe space to ask hard questions about God, church, and life—without judgment or pressure.

No sermons. Just real talk. 💛

Unlocking Faith S1E7 | Faith, Prayer, and Leadership

In this episode of the Unlocking Faith Podcast, hosts Marquis Wadley and Dr. Emory Berry Jr. explore the dynamics of church attendance, with a focus on the gender gap, authenticity in leadership, and how men can engage more meaningfully in spiritual communities 🙏🏾💬.

They discuss why vulnerability among male leaders matters, how authenticity builds trust, and what churches can do to create environments that foster genuine connection and support for men 💙🔥. The conversation also reframes prayer as a real conversation with God, offering practical insight on how to pray effectively, including references to biblical prayers 📖✨.

This episode encourages men to move beyond surface-level faith, embrace honesty in their spiritual walk, and find purpose and belonging within healthy faith communities.

🎧 Tune in for real talk, practical wisdom, and encouragement for men navigating faith and church life.

👇 Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:26 The Gender Gap in Church Attendance

06:02 Engaging Men in Church

14:59 Understanding Prayer

21:04 Prayers from the Bible

27:27 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

29:23 Unlocking Faith Outro.mp4

🔑 Keywords:

#MenAndFaith #ChurchAndMen #ChristianPodcast #AuthenticFaith #FaithLeadership #PrayerLife #BiblicalPrayer #FaithCommunity #SpiritualGrowth #UnlockingFaith

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🤝 Connect with Our Hosts

Marquis Wadley
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@mw2alpha]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/mw2alpha/]

Dr. Emory Berry Jr.
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@emoryberryjr]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/emoryberry/]

📢 Join the Conversation:
Have a question or topic you want covered? Submit anonymously or directly by following the link [https://tinyurl.com/UFgoogleform]

📲 Follow Unlocking Faith on Social Media
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573659879915
YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@UnlockingFaith3/shorts

🔓 Unlocking Faith

An honest faith podcast creating a safe space to ask hard questions about God, church, and life—without judgment or pressure.

No sermons. Just real talk. 💛

Unlocking Faith S1E27 | Fighting Sin & Showing Grace

In this episode of the Unlocking Faith Podcast, hosts Marquis Wadley and Pastor Dr. Emory Berry Jr. discuss the struggles of sin, the importance of grace and forgiveness, and how to navigate relationships while maintaining personal boundaries. They emphasize the human experience of falling short, the need for accountability, and the journey of spiritual growth. The conversation highlights the challenges of being honest with oneself and the ongoing battle against temptation, while also encouraging listeners to keep striving for improvement and to lean on their faith.

👇 Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Podcast

02:19 Struggling with Sin: Are We Fooling Ourselves?

09:29 Showing Grace to Others: The Challenge of Forgiveness

12:39 Navigating Boundaries: Being Christ-like vs. Assertive

18:10 Recap and Closing Thoughts

20:08 Unlocking Faith Outro.mp4

🔑 Keywords:

#faith #scriptureinterpretation #churchteachings #disagreement #UnlockingFaith

🙌 If this blessed you:
Like 👍🏾, comment, and subscribe to Unlocking Faith

🤝 Connect with Our Hosts

Marquis Wadley
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@mw2alpha]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/mw2alpha/]

Dr. Emory Berry Jr.
• TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@emoryberryjr]

• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/emoryberry/]

📢 Join the Conversation:
Have a question or topic you want covered? Submit anonymously or directly by following the link [https://tinyurl.com/UFgoogleform]

📲 Follow Unlocking Faith on Social Media
Instagram: https://instagram.com/unlockingfaithpod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unlocking.faith?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573659879915
YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@UnlockingFaith3/shorts

🔓 Unlocking Faith

An honest faith podcast creating a safe space to ask hard questions about God, church, and life—without judgment or pressure.

No sermons. Just real talk. 💛