The BEMA Podcast – Episode 451: Ashlee Island — Say Good
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 451 of The BEMA Podcast, hosted by Marty Solomon and co-host Brent Billings, the conversation centers around Ashlee Island, the author of "Say Good," and her journey in faith, leadership, and authorship. Ashlee brings a wealth of experience as the Head of School at Livingstones Academy and her previous role as co-lead pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in West Michigan. The episode delves into her personal background, the inspiration behind her book, and her evolving role in ministry and education.
Ashlee Island’s Background
Ashlee Island introduces herself as an elder millennial from Houston, Texas, who pursued higher education in Los Angeles. Her initial career in human resources with Nestle USA provided her with a corporate foundation before she found her roots in the Midwest. Ashlee shares insights into her upbringing, highlighting her diverse religious education—attending Catholic school during the week and a black Baptist church on weekends—which fostered her appreciation for the multifaceted nature of the church.
Notable Quote:
"I see an appreciation in the multifaceted view of the church and have found myself enthralled with and in awe of many different cultural backgrounds."
— Ashlee Island [00:45]
Ashlee is a mother of three children, each with unique aspirations, and discusses the profound impact of her youngest daughter, who was adopted. This personal narrative underscores her commitment to creating a loving and joyful home environment alongside her husband, a worship pastor.
"Say Good" Book Overview
When asked about her book, "Say Good," Ashlee explains that it emerged during the tumultuous times of the 2020 quarantine, particularly amidst the racial justice movements. Friends reached out to her expressing a desire to advocate for biblical justice without appearing performative, a tension that inspired the book's creation.
Notable Quote:
"I chose in that moment not to kind of give a short answer to say, here, go do this. Here's a list of things you can do, but to wrestle with them."
— Ashlee Island [04:54]
"Say Good" is structured around four pillars: Fashion, Accountability, Influence, and Relationship, using the metaphor of tightrope walking to illustrate the delicate balance required in navigating these areas. Ashlee emphasizes that the book is designed for everyday individuals, offering a practical framework to engage thoughtfully and authentically in discussions about justice and faith.
The Naming Process
The conversation shifts to the challenges Ashlee faced in titling her book. Originally named "Talking the Tightrope," the title was changed to "Say Good" based on marketing and SEO considerations advised by her team. Ashlee candidly discusses the emotional difficulty in altering the original artistic vision to meet practical demands.
Notable Quote:
"It's like you carry this child to term, and then somebody's like, I'll name that."
— Ashlee Island [08:16]
Despite the challenges, Ashlee appreciates the collaborative process and the importance of trusting her team, highlighting the often complex relationship between creative intent and marketing realities.
Prayer and Action
A significant portion of the episode explores the intersection of prayer and action. Ashlee reflects on how traditional phrases like "thoughts and prayers" can sometimes become a means of avoiding active participation in addressing issues. She shares personal experiences where prayer was coupled with tangible actions, reinforcing the idea that faith-driven initiatives require both spiritual and practical engagement.
Notable Quote:
"Even if we believe in and are assured of prayer, spiritual power, we use prayer as an excuse to shrink away from our participation in God's work."
— Ashlee Island [14:10]
One poignant example Ashlee shares involves a family tragedy where her community's prayers were matched with practical support, such as providing housing for a grieving single father. This holistic approach embodies the book’s message of partnering with God through both prayer and action.
Transition from Pastoral Leadership
Ashlee discusses her transition from a leadership role at a mega church to her current position at a smaller school community. This shift coincided with profound personal grief, including the loss of her cousin, father, and her own diagnosis with lupus. She describes grief as a constant companion that has reshaped her approach to leadership and ministry.
Notable Quote:
"Grief personified for me has been... a constant companion."
— Ashlee Island [18:58]
In her new role, Ashlee finds joy in the intimacy and impact of a smaller community, emphasizing the importance of presence and personal connections over visibility and volume. This transition has also led her to develop greater empathy and a softer leadership style, aligning with her evolving personal and spiritual journey.
The Power of Saying "No"
A key theme in the episode is the importance of learning to say "no." Ashlee shares her decade-long journey from being someone who couldn't decline commitments to embracing "no" as a healthy and necessary part of leadership and personal well-being. This practice has been crucial in managing her health, family life, and professional responsibilities.
Notable Quote:
"I find so much joy in saying no because I know my yeses mean so much more."
— Ashlee Island [27:07]
Through mentorship and personal discipline, Ashlee illustrates how setting boundaries has enhanced her effectiveness as a leader and improved her overall quality of life. She highlights the ripple effects of her decisions on her family and community, underscoring the interconnectedness of personal choices and broader impacts.
Intentional Social Media Use
Ashlee emphasizes the necessity of being intentional with social media, treating it as an extension of one’s personal and organizational values. She advocates for setting clear boundaries and having a structured approach to posting, which aligns with the book’s pillars of Accountability and Influence.
Notable Quote:
"Social media is an organization and our relationship to it has organizational implications."
— Ashlee Island [29:16]
By developing a personal handbook for her social media presence, Ashlee ensures that her online interactions are purposeful and reflective of her mission to bridge gaps and foster genuine relationships. This mindful approach helps mitigate the often overwhelming and rapid nature of digital communication.
Other Works and Projects
Beyond "Say Good," Ashlee shares her journey as an author, including her previous works:
- "Miles and His Many Friends" – A children's book promoting diversity and inclusion, inspired by her own family experiences.
- "Humankind" – Her first trade book exploring biblical kindness, written in a memoir style to connect personal narratives with broader theological concepts.
Ashlee also discusses her involvement in projects like "Leap of Faith," a film capturing the lives of twelve local pastors navigating their faith, and her current work with Calvin University on a project focused on hope in education. Additionally, she is developing a new book tentatively titled "How to Be Okay When Everything's Not Okay," which addresses resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
Connecting with Ashlee Island
For listeners interested in engaging further with Ashlee Island’s work, she is active on Instagram under the handle @Ashlee_Island. She encourages followers to reach out via direct messages, where she engages in meaningful conversations and shares insights related to her books and projects.
Notable Quote:
"I respond to DMs. I try to engage people in interesting conversations."
— Ashlee Island [40:09]
Conclusion
Episode 451 of The BEMA Podcast offers a comprehensive look into Ashlee Island’s multifaceted life as an author, educator, and former church leader. Through her candid discussions on grief, leadership transitions, the art of saying "no," and intentional living both online and offline, Ashlee provides valuable insights for anyone seeking to align their actions with their faith. Her book "Say Good" stands as a testament to her dedication to fostering authentic and impactful conversations within the Christian community.
Connect with Ashlee Island:
- Instagram: @Ashlee_Island
For More Episodes: Visit baymonticeception.com for show notes and additional resources.