Episode 1: The Woman at the Well & Why It Matters Today
Welcome to the very first episode of Meet At The Well!
Today, we journey back to Jacob’s well in John 4, where a simple request for water sparks the longest recorded conversation Jesus has with anyone in the New Testament—not with a religious leader, but with a Samaritan woman many would have overlooked.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
- The cultural and historical backdrop of John 4
- How Jesus models dignity, curiosity, and truth in hard conversations
- What "Woman at the Well Theology" invites us into today
- The principle of charity—and why connection, not combat, is the goal
- How storytelling bridges the sacred and the secular one word at a time
If you’ve ever felt caught between worlds—too sacred for the secular, too secular for the sacred—this conversation is for you.
Resources Mentioned:
- John 4:1-42 (Biblical text)
- Genesis 16 (Story of Hagar, referenced briefly)
- Principle of Charity (for more on this communication approach, check out The Principle of Charity by Michael Patrick Lynch and Scott Aikin or visit this overview
- Affective Science (exploring emotional regulation, connection, and communication)
Need Support?
If today’s episode stirred things in you and you’re looking for help, you're not alone. Here are some resources:
- BetterHelp Online Therapy ( https://www.betterhelp.com/ ) – access licensed therapists from anywhere
- Psychology Today Therapist Directory( https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists ) – find local support based on your needs
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness ( https://nami.org/Home ) – mental health resources, support groups, and education
Connect with Me:
- Substack: https://meetatthewell.substack.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atthewellwithmariana
If you found today's conversation meaningful, it would mean so much if you subscribed, shared, or left a review. It helps others find this space too.
Until next time—
Come thirsty. You are welcome here.
