In this episode of Water into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson dives into the reality of fear and what it reveals about our lives. From everyday anxieties to life-changing diagnoses, he explores why fear shows up and how faith reshapes our response to it. Over a glass of Italian Pinot Grigio, the conversation blends spiritual insights with practical wisdom, unpacking themes like surrender, control, and trust in God. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of fear, a renewed sense of perspective, and simple ways to move forward with peace even in uncertain moments.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine

(01:20) Wine of the Day: 2023 Livo Feluga Pinot Grigio, Colio, Italy

(05:00) Tasting notes

(09:50) Food pairings

(11:10) Why this wine for today’s topic of fear?

(14:50) Is there a common fear people come to talk to Father Charleston about?

(17:25) Top fears

(19:10) Advice for people’s fears

(21:45) Legitimate fears - a holy reverence

(22:45) What should we do when we are afraid?

(24:40) What prayers do you come back to?

(28:10) What are you most afraid of?

(30:30) Listener question: What does it mean for a wine to have “good skin contact?”

(32:10) Final food pairings

In this episode of Water into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson examines the question that matters most for our identity: What does God think about us? Father Charleston turns to Scripture and the truth that our worth is not something we create or achieve but something given by God. Through honest reflection about failure, pride, and the human tendency to seek approval, he points to the steady and unchanging reality of God’s love in Christ. From Romans 5 to the everyday struggles of feeling inadequate, this conversation invites listeners to move away from self-focused thinking and toward a deeper trust in who God declares us to be.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine

(01:05) Wine of the Day: 2021 Domaine du Cayron Gigondas, Rhône Valley, France

(04:00) Tasting notes

(05:45) Food pairings

(07:40) Why this wine for the topic of the day: self-esteem

(10:50) What is self-esteem?

(12:20) Does God feel differently about us than we feel about ourselves?

(16:30) The looking-glass self theory

(20:15) Romans 5

(21:45) If I keep failing, am I disappointing God? Does God want me to feel good about myself?

(24:20) “Original sin is evenly distributed”

(25:15) What are your favorite podcasts?

In this episode of Water Into Wine, Father Charleston opens a bottle of Chianti Classico and talks about something everyone experiences but few people want to discuss: suffering. The conversation moves from the story behind the wine to the deeper question of what we do with pain when it shows up in our lives. Father Charleston shares how he has learned to see difficult seasons differently and why suffering can become a place where faith grows stronger and God’s presence becomes clearer. It is an honest, thoughtful conversation about hardship, hope, and trusting that God can bring something meaningful out of even the most difficult moments.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine

(01:05) Wine of the Day: 2022 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy

(04:00) Tasting notes

(07:45) Why this wine for the topic of the day: suffering

(10:30) How can suffering be a good thing?

(15:15) Suffering is one way our faith is built

(19:15) Helping others who are suffering

(21:10) Pain can help you grow closer to God

(23:55) Question: How can we stick to our faith when bad things happen?

(25:15) Listener question: Does Father Charleston prefer wine with corks or screw tops?

(29:05) Final tasting notes