I've tried. I'm tired.

In a recent episode of Nuance, my friend Katie Shook took over the host spot for a great discussion on the real, practical costs of staying engaged in the public square when the world pushes back.

Last time we spoke, we explored why faith belongs in the public sphere. The response was encouraging, but it also prompted a very raw note from a weary listener. They wrote: “I believe in faithful presence. I’ve tried. I’m tired”. What do we do when our neighbors aren’t interested and our workplaces treat our convictions like a liability?

Katie and I pushed past the theory to discuss the real, practical costs of staying engaged when the world pushes back. Here is a sample of what we covered in the episode:

The Cost of Chickens: I share a very real, very local story about the time my family got backyard chickens during COVID—and inadvertently sparked a neighborhood resistance campaign. From facing a $1,000-a-day zoning fine to being verbally accosted in a garage by a furious neighbor challenging my “love your neighbor” pastoral credentials , we unpack what it actually costs to engage your community and fight for change.

Create, Don’t Critique: Reflecting on the culture wars of the 90s, we discuss the temptation to either fight back angrily or soften our faith until it is overly palatable. Drawing on the encouragement of Andy Crouch, I advocate for a better way: going out to create beautiful, new, gospel-oriented things in the arts and our workplaces rather than just sitting back and critiquing society.

The Power of Institutions: Why do we inherently distrust institutions today? We talk about the rise of radical individualism and the temptation to retreat to our private, air-conditioned, Netflixed homes. But we also explore why institutions are vital for passing down stability across generations , and how to know when an institution has run its course (like the 1900s ice delivery industry) and needs a celebratory closure.

Focus on the Micro: When national headlines and macro-level cultural hostility feel too big to handle, Katie offers a brilliant piece of practical advice: go small. We talk about the power of learning your neighbors’ names , participating in block parties , and recognizing that while we cannot solve global homelessness, we can absolutely help the one person right in front of us.

Disengaging with Hope: Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is turn off the news. We discuss the importance of Sabbath for the news junkie , and how stepping back to rest does not mean we lose hope that Christ can redeem our local institutions and neighborhoods.

If you are feeling exhausted by the hostility of the modern public square , or if you are wondering how to keep showing up kindly when the culture around us gets tacky and rude, I think you will find this conversation immensely practical. We are all learning how to navigate this together.