Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

Pastor Kevin Thompson, a marriage life pastor and author of "Happily," shares valuable insights on nurturing lasting relationships. He discusses the power of humor in tough times and the importance of commitment, drawing lessons from his grandparents' enduring love. Topics include how pride can harm connections while humility fosters harmony. Kevin emphasizes the delicate balance required between apathy and aggression, offering practical strategies for navigating challenges and strengthening bonds, ultimately advocating for transparency and support in marriage.

From social media to tricky relationships – how can parents help their teens bring clarity to a world of confusion? Professor and apologist Dr. Sean McDowell brings hope to a lonely, spiritually hungry generation – and you can too!     Receive the book A Rebel’s Manifesto plus a free audio download of “Empowering Teens to Navigate Faith in Modern Culture” for your donation of any amount!    Get More Episode Resources    If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback. 

Sean McDowell, a professor, author, and apologist, dives into how parents can assist teens in navigating the complexities of faith amidst modern culture. He explores the alarming rise in loneliness and mental health issues among the youth, urging open conversations about spirituality. McDowell discusses the dual-edged impact of technology on faith, emphasizing the need for thoughtful dialogue. He also highlights the balance between discernment and compassion in judgment, encouraging parents to guide teens through cultural challenges with resources and love.

Tatum Green, a mother who faced the heartbreaking loss of her infant son TJ, and Annie F. Downs, a bestselling author and podcaster, share their profound experiences of grief and hope. They discuss navigating the emotional complexities of loss while caring for family, especially the challenges of helping young children understand such deep sorrow. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, honest communication, and finding moments of joy amidst heartache, ultimately offering insights into healing as a family.

Dr. John Townsend, a nationally known leadership consultant and psychologist, shares practical ideas for fostering healthier relationships. He talks about the importance of building a 'life team' made up of supportive individuals and identifies those to distance from. Townsend discusses the concept of 'relational nutrients' and how to balance extroversion and introversion for personal growth. With insights from his book 'People Fuel', he encourages listeners to form meaningful connections while setting healthy boundaries with toxic relationships.

Chad Robichaux, a combat veteran and founder of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, shares his journey of heroism and healing from PTSD. He discusses the unique challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life and emphasizes the necessity of outreach programs. Chad highlights the emotional struggles tied to military service and the importance of community support and mentorship. Through his stories and the insights from his novel, Silent Horizons, he offers hope and inspiration to veterans and advocates for creating strong connections.

Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, dives into the heart of forgiveness and reconciliation. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and the power of confession in healing relationships. With personal anecdotes and biblical teachings, Chapman discusses how small grievances can build walls between loved ones and the steps needed to tear them down. He also highlights the unique challenges of forgiveness in marriage and the vital role it plays in parent-child relationships.

Dr. Gary Chapman explains how we can begin to heal any relationship by taking responsibility for our part of the problem and seeking forgiveness from both God and the other person. He explains how small injustices can create bricks in a wall between us and our loved one, and the place to start is tearing down the wall on our side. Dr. Chapman illustrates the concept of forgiveness through Bible verses and through descriptions of conflicts with his own wife and son.   Receive the book The 5 Apology Languages and the audio download of the broadcast "Building the Bridge to Forgiveness" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.    Get More Episode Resources    If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback. 

Greta Eskridge, a homeschooling mom of four and the host of her own podcast, shares insights on how to have proactive conversations with children about pornography. She emphasizes the importance of open dialogues before external influences take hold. Greta outlines a 'porn plan' to empower kids to navigate inappropriate content and discusses how sharing personal past mistakes can foster trust. The conversation focuses on promoting a healthy understanding of sexuality, body image, and the emotional impact of pornography on families.

Eryn Lynum, a certified master naturalist and educator, dives into the vital need for rest in our busy lives. She highlights how God's design encourages regular pauses for mental and spiritual growth. Discussing the modern resurgence of Sabbath practices, Eryn underscores the dangers of hustle culture and shares personal stories about balancing health with rest. With practical tips for families, she emphasizes that intentional downtime is essential for fostering connections and enhancing overall well-being.