Stress: Jesus & Martha

Summary

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The Jesus Podcast – "Stress: Jesus & Martha" (October 26, 2025)

Episode Overview

This heartwarming episode of The Jesus Podcast by Pray.com centers on the story of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus as they host Jesus in their home—a revealing, cinematic retelling of Luke 10:38-42 and its powerful lesson on stress, anxiety, and the importance of being present with Christ. Using immersive storytelling and spiritual reflection, the episode guides listeners through Martha’s anxiety-driven busyness contrasted with Mary’s peaceful presence at Jesus’ feet, unpacking how Christ calls us to rest in Him, not just serve Him.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Reflection: Surrendering Anxiety to God

• [00:00] The episode begins with a meditation on Luke 12:25: “Which of you, by being anxious, can add a cubit to his height?” This sets the tone for the topic of anxiety’s futility.
• Prayer emphasizes finding peace in God’s sovereignty and releasing what we cannot control:
  “May we find rest in the knowledge that you are sovereign, caring for us in ways beyond our comprehension.” (Narrator, [00:00])

Scene Setting: The Busyness Before Jesus Arrives

• [02:04–03:44] Martha is hyper-focused on preparing a perfect home for Jesus and His disciples.
  • Martha’s frantic instructions highlight the weight she feels (“Has the dough been kneaded twice? … I don’t know how many guests will be here.” — Martha, [02:04])
  • Mary and Lazarus are more relaxed, prompting Martha’s exasperation.
• The impending arrival of Jesus ratchets up Martha’s stress levels. Each guest adds to her visible anxiety.

The Visit: Martha’s Anxiety vs. Mary’s Presence

• [08:43–10:06] The narrative walks listeners through the hustle in Martha’s home—the ceaseless noise of chores, the smells of cooking, the juxtaposition of Martha’s labor against Mary’s peace.
  • While Martha is “a whirlwind of motion,” Mary quietly sits at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His teaching, oblivious to the kitchen chaos.

Martha’s Breaking Point

• [10:06–12:41]
  • Martha, feeling isolated and overwhelmed, voices her frustration:
    • “I'm doing everything alone. Why don’t you help me instead of just sitting there?” (Martha, [12:03])
    • She appeals directly to Jesus:
      “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work myself? Why don’t you tell her to get up and help me? Didn’t you say if you want to be great in the kingdom, you must be a servant of all? Why then am I the only one serving?” (Martha, [12:20])
    • Martha is audibly distressed, her anxiety peaking as she confronts Jesus and Mary.

Jesus’ Gentle Correction

• [12:43–13:27]
  • Jesus responds with deep empathy—not rebuke but understanding:
    • “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. How much of your worrying has added a minute of value to your life? For all your stress, you’ve found yourself in more lack than abundance. Mary has chosen what is better—to be at my feet and hear my words. Do not take that away from her.” (Jesus, [13:03])
  • This moment delivers the episode’s central spiritual insight: presence with Jesus outweighs busyness for Him.

Resolution: Choosing Presence Over Perfection

• [13:27–14:27]
  • Silence fills the room. Martha finally stills, the tension melting away as Jesus’ words sink in.
  • She sits beside Jesus, quietly apologizes, and for the first time plumbs the peace she’s long overlooked.
    • “It wasn’t about the perfect meal or a spotless house. It was about being present… Martha discovered that the greatest service she could offer was her presence, her willingness to simply be.” (Narrator, [14:27])

Theological Reflection & Practical Application

• [19:15–29:29] Zach, the host, reflects on the timeless lesson for modern listeners:
  • Martha’s desire to serve is praiseworthy, but her stress reveals a misplaced priority.
  • Mary and Lazarus intuitively focus on relationship, not chores, and experience authentic spiritual growth.
  • Key insight: “Being with God must be a constant in our life that sustains and frees us from any potential stresses that come our way.” (Host, [22:10])
  • The host challenges the “Jesus first, then everything else” model:
    • Instead, “view your time with God as the epicenter from which the rest of your life extends… Don’t put your faith in one bracket of an ever-changing list of things you need to do today.” (Host, [21:15])
  • Prioritizing presence with Jesus is the antidote to stress-induced striving. Productivity flows from intimacy with Christ.
  • Practical encouragement: Slow down, pause, seek peace in God’s presence, and allow Him to lead and comfort you through stress.
    • “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10 quoted)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “How much of your worrying has added a minute of value to your life?”
  — Jesus to Martha ([13:03])
• “Mary has chosen what is better—to be at my feet and hear my words. Do not take that away from her.”
  — Jesus ([13:16])
• “Putting Jesus at the epicenter of our lives and coming to Him… is going to be a surefire way to stable ourselves in an ever-changing world.”
  — Host ([23:43])
• “Don't fall into the stress of Martha—putting all the things you want to do for Jesus above being with Jesus.”
  — Host ([24:12])
• “Being present with God is far more important than being productive for God. In fact, you can’t be truly productive for God unless you’ve learned the rhythms of being present with Him.”
  — Host ([24:56])
• “Stress melts away in the presence of your Savior, who casts out all fear with his perfect love.”
  — Host ([29:05])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 — Prayer and meditation on anxiety's futility
• 02:04 — Martha fusses over hospitality preparations
• 08:43 — Martha's busyness vs. Mary's calm presence with Jesus
• 12:03 — Martha’s breaking point and plea for help
• 13:03 — Jesus’ gentle teaching about worry and presence
• 14:27 — Martha’s realization and peace
• 19:15 — Host reflects on the story’s application to modern life
• 21:15 — The centrality of Jesus, not merely prioritizing Him
• 24:12 — The danger of serving for Jesus rather than being with Him
• 29:05 — Final encouragement and summary

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Episode Takeaways

• The root of spiritual rest is presence, not performance.
• Anxiety and stress dissipate when we prioritize intimacy with Christ over accomplishment for Him.
• We each uniquely experience life’s pressures, but the call remains: pause, be still, and let your relationship with Jesus anchor and guide you.

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This episode delivers a cinematic, thought-provoking reflection that both comforts and convicts, making the ancient story of Martha and Mary deeply relevant for today’s weary, busy believer.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Which of you, by being anxious, can add a cubit to his height? Luke 12:25 Heavenly Father, we're gently reminded of the futility of our anxieties and the peace your presence brings in a world of uncertainties. This scripture comforts our souls, teaches us the beauty of surrendering our worries into your capable hands. We thank you, God, for the promise of your peace that surpasses all understanding. Help us to trust in your timing and plan, releasing our grip on the things we cannot control. May we find rest in the knowledge that you are sovereign, caring for us in ways beyond our comprehension. Encourage our hearts to seek your kingdom first, knowing that, as we do, you will care for our needs. Let this assurance settle over our spirits, allowing us to live each day with joy and gratitude, free from the weight of worry. In the name of Jesus, our source of peace, we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here to immerse yourself in a heartwarming story about stress and slowing down to be at the feet of Jesus. Follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. Doing so will keep you updated, but also help us get discovered by more people. We want the story of Jesus to be known throughout the world. Thanks for making that possible.

[Martha]

Has the dough been kneaded twice? Mary I need it to be kneaded twice or else it won't rise correctly. Lazarus, have you brought the extra pillows in from the upper room? I don't know how many guests will be here.

[Narrator]

Martha paced in and out of the kitchen and yard. She plucked herbs from her small garden, returned to the kitchen, and then returned to sweep the dust. She trailed in. Mary and Lazarus had seen their sisters dressed, but never to this degree. She was in constant motion, straightening every pot and polishing every plate. Martha, it's only Jesus.

[Mary]

We've known him since we were children.

[Martha]

Yes, but that was before we knew he was the Messiah. Lazarus, everything has changed. Everything. I'm not sure Jesus cares about the pottery, mary added.

[Narrator]

Her words fell on deaf ears as Martha continued to sweep. Mary and Lazarus exchanged nervous glances. Martha was consumed with perfection.

[Martha]

Mary, knead the dough again so I can bake it.

[Narrator]

Mary was about to obey, but she stopped immediately when she heard the knock on the door.

[Martha]

He's here.

[Narrator]

Mary clapped her hands together in excite. Lazarus went to the door. Everyone cheered when they saw each other. Jesus and the disciples poured in and removed their sandals. Each new person was an added stressor to Martha. More mouths to feed, more bread to bake, more weight on Martha's palpitating chest.

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[Mary]

When you think about everything you have to get done today, does it give you any stress? Is life just feeling like it's too much to manage as you juggle family, work, school and friendships? God doesn't want you welling up with anxiety. He wants you to feel the comfort of knowing him and being with Him. Even when the storms rage around us, even when the anxieties of everyday life, tasks and responsibilities seek to weigh us down, Jesus would have our burdens lightened in his presence welcome to the Jesus Podcast, a year's story showcasing the depth of Christ's love and the glory of God's truth through cinematic storytelling and honest and deep reflection. I'm Zach, your host from pray.com and I'm so glad you're here. We're back with another story of Jesus comforting someone who's feeling on the outs or far away. This week we'll enter into the home of Martha as we learn about how God wants to take our anxieties, our stress and our constant motion away. Not long after feeding the 5,000, Jesus and his disciples are on the move again as they travel through the town of Bethany. They've been invited into the home of some close friends of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. These are familiar names that we will see throughout the Gospels. Bethany was just a few miles outside of Jerusalem and the quick stop was likely a welcomed reprieve from the continual onslaught of crowds wanting to be near Jesus and hear him teach and watch him perform miracles. I want you to imagine you're preparing your home for Jesus. You'd likely start preparing a list of all the things you need to get done, wash the dishes, sweep the floor, prepare a meal, and ensure everything is in tip top shape to welcome not just a friend, but the Messiah. For those of you that are professional hosts and are always having people over, this might sound pretty stressful. It certainly did for Martha. But as Jesus enters into the home, Martha's anxious and frenetic reeling is going to slowly melt away under the warm embrace of her Lord. Let's begin.

[Narrator]

In the waning light of a late afternoon in Bethany, the house of Martha, Mary and Lazarus buzzed with an undercurrent of fear frenetic activity. The clatter of pots and pans echoed through the small, humble home Punctuated by the occasional sharp snap of vegetables being chopped with precise precision. Martha was a whirlwind of motion, her hands never still as she juggled cooking, cleaning, and fretting over every detail. The aroma of simmering stew mingled with the earthly scent of freshly baked bread. But the inviting smells did little to soothe her mounting stress. In her mind, everything had to be perfect. After all, they were hosting the Messiah. Lazarus was reclined beside Peter and Andrew. They exchanged stories about their run ins with Roman guards and laughed about the absurdity of their youth. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, listened intently as he spoke to a few of the disciples about his heart for prayer. Jesus words so enraptured Mary that she could barely hear Martha calling from the kitchen.

[Martha]

Mary. Mary, you didn't need the bread twice like I asked. It's lumpy and cooked unevenly. Mary.

[Narrator]

Mary finally looked back and shook her head at Martha.

[Martha]

Oh, Martha, relax and come over here. Jesus is telling us a parable about a widow and a wicked judge.

[Mary]

Relax.

[Martha]

Maybe I would if you would help me. Am I the only one who cares?

[Narrator]

Martha angrily kneaded more dough, punching it with her fists and slapping it around. She then proceeded to chop the carrots aggressively.

[Martha]

Must be nice to be Mary. Not a care in the world.

[Narrator]

Mary hadn't done anything to help with the food. Lazarus hasn't helped her sweep. It seemed like nobody cared that the Son of God himself was sitting at their table. All the guests were fed and Martha had successfully filled every plate with bread, stew and cakes. The home was warm with the soft glow of lamplights and laughter. Martha couldn't enjoy any of it. Her mind kept her away from the present. Even if she was still, her mind was elsewhere. She was constantly thinking about the next chore. Mary was still at the feet of Jesus with her legs crossed. She was like a little child. Lazarus was returning to the table and past Martha. She was vibrating with anxious energy. Sensing her irritation, Lazarus touched her shoulder and said, martha, just breathe, you.

[Martha]

I don't have time to breathe.

[Narrator]

Martha snapped. Her patience frayed to its last thread.

[Martha]

I'm doing everything alone. Why don't you help me instead of just sitting there?

[Narrator]

Martha's voice, sharp with frustration, cut through the serene atmosphere like a knife. Blinded by bitterness, she spoke to Jesus and gestured to her sister.

[Martha]

Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work myself? Why don't you tell her to get up and help me? Didn't you say if you want to be great in the kingdom, you must be a servant of all. Why then am I the only one serving? I can't do it all on my own. I'm. I can't.

[Bowen Yang]

Martha. Martha.

[Narrator]

Jesus interrupted. His tone was soft and understanding, like one would speak to a child spiraling into a tantrum.

[Bowen Yang]

Martha, come over here.

[Narrator]

Martha's eyes widened and her throat clenched. She stepped forward to Jesus, eyes fixed on her feet.

[Bowen Yang]

Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. How much of your worrying has added a minute of value to your life. For all of your stress, you found yourself in more lack than abundance. Mary has chosen what is better to be at my feet and hear my words. Do not take that away from her.

[Narrator]

The room fell into an almost tangible silence, the air heavy with the words left unspoken. Martha's hands stilled for the first time since the day began, the tension in her shoulders visibly relaxing as the truth of Jesus words sank in. She looked from Jesus to Mary and back again, the realization dawning on her that in her obsession with the minutiae, she had missed the essence of the moment. With a heavy sigh, Martha lowered herself onto a stool beside Jesus. Jesus smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder.

[Bowen Yang]

Now I was just about to tell.

[Narrator]

Mary and the others about almost getting.

[Bowen Yang]

Thrown off a cliff in Nazareth.

[Narrator]

The entire table leaned over and listened to Jesus. They gasped, laughed, and found peace in his presence. Martha watched Mary, who remained at Jesus feet, a serene smile on her lips. At that moment, Martha understood it wasn't about the perfect meal or a spotless house. It was about being present, about listening and truly seeing the ones you love. I'm sorry, martha whispered to Mary. But her apology was more to herself than anyone else. Martha did something she hadn't done in far too long. She sat. She listened. And in the warmth of the setting sun, with the sounds of a day winding down around her, Martha found a peace she hadn't realized she she was searching for. In the company of her sister and Jesus, Martha discovered that the greatest service she could offer was her presence, her willingness to simply be. The dishes could wait. The sweeping could be done later. For now, Martha chose to embrace the moment, to soak in the wisdom and love that filled her home. It was a choice she would make again and again, a lesson learned in the heart of a bustling kitchen that would forever change the way she saw the world.

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[Bowen Yang]

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[Mary]

Every individual life is a unique collection of thoughts, feelings and experiences and perceptions of the world around us. We all see the world through a certain lens. Each one of us is distinct from the other. And though we live alongside each other, we take in the world in our own way. This was showcased in the way that Mary, Martha and Lazarus all dealt with the same exact situation. They were all hosting Jesus, but they dealt with his coming in different ways. Mary and Lazarus seemed to have the right idea, helping here and there, but understanding that the presence of Jesus was worth pausing for. But for Martha, she was stuck in a continual loop of anxiety. Anxiety often happens when our way of living and dealing with the stress of life isn't working. For some of us, life has become one endless stream of stress, worries and anxieties. At the beginning of our passage, Martha does a pretty good thing. She hears that Jesus is nearby and invites him and his disciples to visit. She demonstrates a heart of hospitality as she prepares her home. And you see, that's a good thing. Martha clearly has the gift of hospitality. She wants Jesus to feel comfortable in her home, and she understands the responsibility of having a lot of guests over. You see, none of these are bad things. It's with a good heart that Martha wants to host Jesus. We should all find the similar attitude and gladly welcome Jesus into our own lives and make a space for Him. It's a wonderful thing to spend time with God, and we should be seizing any opportunity we can to do so. We can welcome Jesus into our home in a number of ways. Whether it's taking a moment to read the Bible every single morning, or saturating ourselves in our hearts and our minds in sermons and content, that's enriching to our souls. Perhaps it's praying with others as we align our hearts with God's will, singing a worship song in the car on our way to work. Whatever it might be. There's endless opportunities to be near our God and welcome him into the everyday aspects of our lives. And despite our ever growing culture of busyness and hustle, we should never find ourselves too busy to spend time with God and to welcome him into our lives. The closer we allow him to get, the better our lives become. And it's not that everything becomes perfect and all of our problems go away. But like Martha, we can become distracted in our relationship with the Lord. With all of her own plans and what must be done before Jesus arrives, she forgets the whole purpose of the visit to be with Jesus. You see, Mary and Lazarus didn't forget that they found it easy to just recline at the table and be with him. But Martha was caught in a loop as she runs around the house to cook, clean and host. Others are joyfully sitting by Jesus as he shares parables and stories about life while Martha clings to her tasks. Everyone else is clinging to Christ and they're ultimately growing. But Martha is deteriorating. You see, this is what stress does to us. We don't grow. Jesus warns us of this in the Sermon on the Mount. He says, who of you can add anything to your life by worrying? You see, worry takes. It doesn't give. But to Martha, taking that time to be with Jesus didn't take precedence over all the things she needed to do. For Jesus, taking the time to grow in our faith may seem like another time consuming to do in an already packed schedule. We plan to wake up early for devos only to find our kids already woken up before the sunrise. We tell ourselves that we're going to pray before bed until we forget that we had an assignment due by midnight. And what we know we should be putting first can so easily get kicked to the bottom of our list. Have you ever felt that way? The ever increasing list of things you need to get done today seems to only get larger and larger until eventually you gotta just crash. But what might help us combat this pattern is retooling the way we actually look at our time. Oftentimes people say you need to put Jesus as your number one priority. He needs to be the first priority in your day. But this might be the wrong perspective. You see, Jesus shouldn't be one of many priorities that you have in the day. Rather than telling ourselves we'll put Jesus in our faith first, it might be more helpful to think in terms of putting Jesus in our faith as central. Instead of viewing him as an item on your agenda, view your time with God as an epicenter from which the rest of your life extends from Let your life flow from your faith. Don't put your faith in one bracket of an ever changing list of things you need to do today. That way, reading the Bible is as central as getting your food or drinking water in the day. You prioritize these things because you know everything else you need to get done today will be compromised if you don't. If you see Jesus as central in your life and the fountain by which all of your productivity flows, then you might have a better time making time for him in your day. Prioritizing Our time with Jesus helps us to sense his guidance as he leads us through all the highs and lows of life and shows us things and where we need to go. Don't fall into the stress of Martha putting all the things you want to do for Jesus above being with Jesus. There's this really compelling part of Mark chapter 3 where Jesus is calling his disciples and it says that he called them first and foremost to be with him and then he called them to go preach the gospel, go and heal, cast out demons, etc. But the first part of that was really important. You see, the disciples were called first and foremost to be with Jesus because ministry flows from intimacy. You see, there is time for work and getting things done, but it should never be a part of from an active relationship with God. Being present with God is far more important than being productive for God. In fact, you can't be truly productive for God unless you've learned the rhythms of being present with Him. We can't serve God in a pleasing way if we are apart from Him. One must flow from the other. Being with God must be a constant in our life that sustains and frees us from any potential stresses that come our way. Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and all other needs will be met. But still you might find yourself trapped in the feeling of Martha. But there's a solution right here in our story today. If we've wound up in a stressful place, all we have to do is what Martha did, which is listen to God, take the gentle rebuke to slow down and just be with Him. You see, our stress is directly related to how we respond to life circumstances. While there will definitely be stressful factors around us and outside of our control, what we are in control of is how we handle them. And there's no way we can properly process what's happening to us if we don't allow ourselves to pause, if we don't allow ourselves to process, if we don't allow ourselves to seek peace from God and respond accordingly. You see, constant motion is a surefire way to fall off the tracks. We get to choose how everyday events are going to affect our mental, emotional and spiritual well being. And putting Jesus at the epicenter of our lives and coming to him and finding intimacy with him is going to be a surefire way to stable ourselves in an ever changing world. And listen, I get it. We all respond to stress in different ways. Some of us respond to stress by shutting down. We find things like sleep to be a welcomed break from overthinking. But others, like Martha, might respond to stress by becoming hyperactive, like a mother anxiously awaiting a baby. We begin nesting because we feel like we have to prepare. We feel like we need to be in control before something happens. All the chores and activities that can help us feel like we've accomplished something when everything else seems to be crumbling around us. But both of these responses are simply distractions from what we really need in the middle of our stress. What we truly need is an encounter with Jesus. When you're feeling overwhelmed, allow yourself to pause. The psalmist says, be still and know that I am God. You see, this word be still, or this phrase. Be still means stop striving, stop working, stop pause. Take a time to consider the circumstances and seek God. Feel the warm embrace of His Spirit who comforts you. Hear the words of the one who called the storms to be still as he speaks the same command of peace over the raging seas of your heart. And once you find that moment of calm, the moment of quiet, open your ears to hear the words that he wants to speak to you, the guidance he wants to offer you. Open your heart to receive correction, knowing that it's not given in anger but in love. Trust that he wants what's best for you and is willing to take the time to hold your hand and help you see what's happening around you. As you hear his guidance, humble yourself to glad obedience. He's called you away from anxiety and worry and invites you into the peace and tranquility of his presence. God wants to take the place of stress in your life. He wants to help you navigate the complexities. And as we read in James 4:7, Submit yourselves then, to God. Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up. God wants to lift you up, but it requires that you fall down at his feet. It calls you to resist your pride, overcome the temptation to do before you. Enjoy the sweet satisfaction of being. Being with God, who doesn't need anything from you but deeply desires a relationship with you, is one of the greatest joys you'll ever experience. Stress melts away in the presence of your Savior, who casts out all fear with his perfect love. Thanks again for listening to another episode of the Jesus Podcast. It's truly a joy to be with you here every single day. We're going to keep going with these stories. We're going to keep telling the story of the gospel in new and cinematic ways and seek some honest and deep reflection to enrich our faith. If you have felt blessed by this podcast so far, we would love it if you left a review. We read every single one of them and it's encouraging and it nourishes us and fuels us for the mission ahead. So thank you. Thank you from the deepest parts of our hearts [e-mail] God bless.

[Bowen Yang]

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[Mary]

12:31 see paypal.com promoter points can be redeemed for cash and more paying for subject to terms and approval. PayPal Inc. And MLS 910457.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Get ready to power up your play with Nintendo Switch 2. Power up the visuals with 4K support and a bigger, more vivid screen. Power of the fun with exclusive new games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong bonanza. Nintendo Switch 2 all together, anytime anywhere. Games rated E to E10 plus games and systems sold separately. Compatible TV required for 4K display.

[Bowen Yang]

What kind of man would let this.

[Mary]

Happen to his family?

[Patricia Arquette]

Inspired by shocking actual events, I'm working.

[Martha]

Working on a story about the Murdochs.

[Announcer (Washable Sofas Ad)]

Their abuses of power are playing out in real time.

[Patricia Arquette]

Starring Academy Award winner Patricia Arquette and Jason Clark.

[Narrator]

It's only cheating if you get caught.

[Patricia Arquette]

Hulu Original Series Murdoch Death in the Family New episodes Wednesdays on Hulu and Hulu on Disney plus for bundle subscribers. Terms apply. Can small acts make a real impact in the world? Sometimes times a small thing has the power to become more something big and meaningful. And when it comes to helping children, no act is too small. When you fill up at the purple Giving Pump at Shell, a portion of your purchase will be donated to support charities in your community. The Giving Pump Easy to stop, easy to donate from 9125 to 103125 participating Shell stations will donate a minimum of $0.01 per gallon of the fuel pump from the giving pump or a minimum donation of $300. Ford was built on the belief that the world doesn't get to decide what you're capable of. You do. So ask yourself, can you or can't you? Can you load up a Ford F150 and build your dream with sweat and steel? Can you chase thrills and conquer curves in a Mustang? Can you take a Bronco to where the map ends and adventure begins. Whether you think you can or think you can't.

[Narrator]

Can't.

[Patricia Arquette]

You're right. Ready, set, forward.

[Mary]

This is an I Heart podcast.