Episode 325 - MISSION IN THE DARK

Join us on this episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment" where host Robert John Hadfield delves into the remarkable life of Fanny Crosby, a distant relative of Bing Crosby. Despite living in different centuries, both Crosbys left a significant mark on music history. Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" holds the title for the best-selling single of the 20th century, yet it's Fanny's story that captivates with her resilience and creativity.

Born in 1820, Fanny Crosby faced adversity from an early age, losing her sight to an infection and her father to death all before she turned a year old. Despite these challenges, she cultivated a remarkable talent for poetry and songwriting, which began to flourish when she was just eight years old. Her journey led her to the New York Institute for the Blind, where she not only honed her skills but also became a key figure, reciting poetry to influential visitors, including several U.S. Presidents.

Fanny's impact deepened as she transitioned into hymn writing, with her work reaching an estimated 100 million copies sold worldwide. Her hymns remain a staple in churches today. This episode explores how Fanny Crosby turned personal tragedy into a source of inspiration and strength, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate through generations.

Tune in to uncover the powerful narrative of Fanny Crosby, whose life's work in poetry and hymn writing helped shape the spiritual fabric of America and proved that resilience and creativity can transcend any obstacle.

Episode 324 - FOCUS ABOVE THE CLOUDS

Join host Robert John Hadfield in this inspiring episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment" as he reflects on the profound impact of weather patterns on our mood and life perspective. Sharing memories from his childhood in Denver, Colorado, Robert recounts how the daily shifts from sunshine to stormy skies shaped his early experiences and insights into the human psyche.

In this thought-provoking discussion, he explores the symbolism of the ever-changing sky — from clear, sunny mornings to sudden afternoon storms and the eventual return of sunlight. Robert delves into personal stories and scientific studies to illustrate how our surroundings can mirror and affect our internal states. He discusses the concept of rumination and its role in depression, highlighting the power of shifting our focus to maintain mental wellness.

Drawing parallels between the weather's unpredictability and life's challenges, Robert offers a compelling narrative on resilience and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. He shares transformative moments from his life, emphasizing how we can choose to find happiness and contentment, despite the clouds that may temporarily obscure our sun.

This episode is not just about the weather; it's a metaphor for overcoming adversity and finding the blue skies and sunshine that await us, just beyond the clouds.

Episode 323 - GOOD AT HEART
In this episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast, host Robert John Hadfield shares a reflective story from his youth, centering around a memorable Sunday school teacher who effectively communicated complex ideas and life lessons using engaging, practical demonstrations. The episode unfolds with Robert recalling his time as a 12-year-old in a church class with a group of rowdy boys who had gone through several teachers due to their unruliness. They were eventually introduced to a new teacher, an older man and possibly an electrical engineer, who seemed unlikely to want to spend his Sundays with energetic young boys.

The new teacher, however, captivated the class with a series of interactive lessons, starting with a demonstration involving a remote control car to explain frequencies and communication, drawing parallels to communicating with God. Each Sunday, he brought a new gadget—ranging from a remote control airplane to a synthesizer—and explained its workings before linking it to a spiritual lesson.

Robert reflects on the impact of this teacher's method, emphasizing how the lessons stuck with him over the decades. He connects this story to a broader theme about the unnoticed yet profound goodness and impact of ordinary people, inspired by an article by early 20th-century writer Bruce Catton about the everyday decency of small-town individuals. The episode concludes with Robert urging listeners to consider how they, too, can positively impact others' lives, continuing the cycle of kindness and meaningful engagement initiated by figures like his Sunday school teacher.