Finding Freedom By Inviting Others In
Why Do I Stay?
Is there more to your unwanted sexual behavior than just being tempted? Mental health counselor Jay Stringer, author of the book, "Unbroken," delves into the topic of sexual brokenness and shares what he considers to be at the root of the issue. While a person's problem may seem to be all about lust, Stringer believes it may actually be about anger or rejection. Indulging in our sin only makes us feel worse. Stringer assures those who are hurting that God has so much more in store for us, as long as we are courageous enough to look at our past and develop new ways to handle our anxiety.
How Did I Get Here?
Licensed mental health counselor Jay Stringer talks about sexual brokenness and our culture's growing obsession with sex. A crisis, like the threat of divorce or the loss of a job, often drives people to seek help when their behavior is exposed, but often what they are taught is merely lust management--how to bounce your eyes, or avoid tempting situations--which doesn't get to the root issue. There is nothing random about a person's unique brand of sexual brokenness, and it's a counselor's job to uncover where that attraction comes from, and how to deal with it.
Believe in Your Kids
Mike Berry, author of "Confessions of an Adoptive Parent," gives an honest look at the challenging side of adoption. A father of eight adopted children, including four with fetal alcohol syndrome, Berry talks about the loss his kids have experienced and the overwhelming needs they face physically, emotionally, and mentally. Berry tells parents considering adoption that their number one need is for education and community, and promises there will be hardship alongside the joy. Berry shares what has kept him and his wife, Kristin, from giving up, and how Jesus has come alongside them.
Hope and Help From the Trenches
Author Mike Berry, a husband and father of eight adopted children, tells what led him and his wife to pursue adoption and foster parenting. When they first started their journey they didn't understand childhood trauma, but now they do. Berry encourages couples to adopt if they feel led, but warns them that at some point there will likely be a moment when they feel they are running into a wall. He believes it's critical for them to understand that kids in chronic trauma are functioning in survival mode, and don't always know why they act the way they do.
Longing for Motherhood
For 17-year-old Chelsea Sobolik, key signals of her passage into womanhood were late—very late. As she prepared to enter college, a visit with her physician revealed that she had been born without a uterus, confirming Chelsea's worst fear: She was permanently infertile. In this episode of Unfavorable Odds, Chelsea Sobolik reveals how this difficult diagnosis led her on a journey of self-discovery.
Lying Lips
The tongue may be small, but it's impact is great! That's why author Ginger Hubbard believes parents need to put their kids on the right track early by teaching and training them to be wise with their words. If a parent is unsure whether a child is telling the truth, Hubbard believes he should err on the side of mercy. But if a parent knows for certain a child has lied, they need to address the issue and remind the child of the relational consequences of their behavior, and then apply suitable discipline.
What's With All the Whining?
Do your children whine? If so, then maybe author Ginger Hubbard can help! As a mother of two, she knows a thing or two about whining and shares a few "how to's" to nip it in the bud. Ginger pulls examples from her own experience, and reminds parents that until you reach a child's heart, their behavior isn't likely to change. To help a child consider his or her behavior, Hubbard encourages parents to ask their children thought-provoking questions, and then have the kids repeat their request, but in a more respectful tone.
Getting Real in Marriage
Catherine Parks, author of "Real," believes that trust has to be established before a person can truly open up to another, and this applies to marriage. Parks remembers how, early in her marriage, she would stuff what she was feeling, afraid to rock the boat. Over the years, however, she learned that relationships grow through honesty and authenticity, with the end goal of confession being right worship of God. Ultimately our security must come from Christ, and not what others think.
Taking Off the Mask
Author and Bible teacher Catherine Parks reveals the surprising secret to deeper relationships. Parks tells what happens when we decide to get real about our sin through repentance and confession. She remembers how she learned the basics of forgiveness as a child, and how her parents modeled self-reflection and grace. Parks recalls her friendship with her friend Amber, who consistently asked her the deeper questions. Though resistant at first, Parks remembers how freeing it was to finally be honest and open with her friend, and what she's doing to encourage others to do the same.
Being Your Man's Cheerleader
Pastor Brian Tome, author of "Five Marks of a Man," talks to wives about the importance of encouraging their husbands. He also reminds men of their calling to lay down their lives for their wives. Tome shares what he's done to nurture and love his wife, and tells women what affirmation does for a man.