Christmas

What’s it take to raise emotionally strong boys? Veteran counselor David Thomas knows males typically aren’t equipped with skills to name and navigate their experience—and the fallout is grave. Thomas lays out strategies to equip boys for a powerful present and future.

Show Notes and Resources

• Learn more about David and his books at his website: raisingboysandgirls.com
• Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
• Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

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In this emotionally resonant and deeply insightful episode of FamilyLife Today, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson continue a heartfelt discussion with Jennifer and Allen Parr, focusing on marriage dynamics, spiritual leadership, and the power of softness—particularly from wives toward their husbands. This episode explores the layered meanings of what it means for a wife to approach her husband in a “soft” manner, not as a form of weakness or subservience, but as an intentional act of humility, encouragement, and grace.

Jennifer reflects on her personal growth in communication, having learned the transformative power of open-ended questions like "Are you open to this?" instead of using rigid language like "you should" or "you need to." The Parrs discuss how this subtle shift has positively impacted their marriage and can open the door for honest conversations in others.

The conversation then pivots to one of the most common marital tensions: the desire for a husband to be the spiritual leader of the home, especially when he either lacks interest or simply doesn't know how. Allen offers practical insight into the nuances between unwillingness and inexperience. He advises wives to approach their husbands with grace and patience, emphasizing curiosity over criticism.

Dave and Ann echo these sentiments by sharing their own experiences with unmet expectations and communication pitfalls, including a powerful moment when Ann praised Dave for praying with their kids—an act that motivated him more than any criticism ever had.

The discussion also dives deep into childhood trauma, particularly the lasting impact of growing up in a fatherless home. Allen vulnerably shares how the absence of his dad from age six left him feeling inadequate as a husband and father—despite his current devotion to his family and ministry. This leads to a broader conversation about compassion, empathy, and healing through understanding a partner's personal history.

The episode wraps with an acknowledgment of the strength in softness: how humility, grace, and genuine encouragement can transform marriages. The Wilsons and the Parrs agree that this kind of softness is not passivity, but rather a powerful way to cultivate connection, spiritual leadership, and long-term relational growth.

Show Notes and Resources

• Follow Jennifer on Instagram.
• Learn more about Allen on his website.
• Listen to the "Winning Women" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
• Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

This episode of FamilyLife Today features a deeply personal and insightful conversation with Jennifer and Allen Parr, centered on the concept of redefining success for women, embracing God-given influence, and the power of softness without weakness. Hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) event, the conversation takes place in a relaxed, makeshift studio, giving it an authentic, heartfelt tone.

Jennifer Parr shares her emotional journey of stepping away from a high-achieving corporate role—her dream job at her dream company—to fully embrace her role as a present wife and mother. She candidly discusses the identity struggle and internal wrestling that came with surrendering a position she had worked hard to attain. With two young children and a growing ministry alongside Allen, Jennifer felt a divine calling to shift her focus from corporate success to family and faith-driven influence.

Throughout the discussion, Jennifer highlights how women are inherently created with a softness and tenderness that is not synonymous with weakness. Instead, it’s a quiet strength—a powerful form of influence that doesn't demand the spotlight but transforms every space it enters. The Parrs discuss how stepping into that softness, rather than bristling at it, has allowed Jennifer to thrive personally and within their marriage and ministry.

Allen supports Jennifer’s journey, noting how her stepping back not only brought more peace to their home but also improved her overall well-being, including healing from insomnia and anxiety. The couple explains the importance of shared decision-making, heart posture, and recognizing each person’s capacity in different seasons of life.

The conversation also dives into the struggles women face when they feel the need to "do it all", often out of fear, control, or past trauma. Jennifer openly acknowledges how fear rooted in “what ifs” about her husband’s potential absence or failure to provide drove her initial resistance to leaving her job. The panel reflects on how fear, pride, and anxiety can distort our understanding of roles within marriage and family life.

The tone turns humorous and vulnerable as Dave and Ann share a story from their past—complete with corded phones, hotel mishaps, and a memorable line from Dave telling Ann to "cut it off"—illustrating the all-too-relatable dynamic of a wife jumping in to "fix" what she perceives her husband can’t handle.

The episode wraps with a discussion on healthy communication in marriage, including when to speak, when to stay silent, and how to approach difficult conversations with humility and prayer. Jennifer emphasizes that surrender-driven success—rooted in trusting God—is more fulfilling than any worldly achievement.

Show Notes and Resources

• Follow Jennifer on Instagram.
• Learn more about Allen on his website.
• Listen to the "Winning Women" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
• Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on

Mom of 7, wife of an NFL athlete, and podcaster Kirsten Watson is asked, “How do you do it?” She believes to take a breath of God’s Word is to exhale peace.

Show Notes and Resources

• Get Kirsten's book Sis, Take a Breath: Encouragement for the Woman Who’s Trying to Live and Love Well (but Secretly Just Wants to Take a Nap) on our shop.
• Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
• Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

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God’s story for Kirsten Watson and NFL Super Bowl champ Benjamin Watson has spiraled them through 15 NFL seasons, seven kids, and plenty of plot twists.

Show Notes and Resources

• Ann's plant Illustration 
• Get Kirsten's book Sis, Take a Breath: Encouragement for the Woman Who’s Trying to Live and Love Well (but Secretly Just Wants to Take a Nap) on our shop.
• Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
• Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

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Kirsten Watson and NFL Super Bowl champ Benjamin Watson know well the scrabble for identity apart from connections, accomplishments, and best-laid plans.

Show Notes and Resources

• Ann's plant Illustration 
• Get Kirsten's book Sis, Take a Breath: Encouragement for the Woman Who’s Trying to Live and Love Well (but Secretly Just Wants to Take a Nap) on our shop.
• Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
• Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

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Is it unloving or selfish to set a boundary? Are Christians ever called to walk away from a relationship that’s no longer safe or sustainable? Lysa TerKeurst deeply understands these hard questions in the midst of relational struggles.

Show Notes and Resources

• Purchase Lisa's book, "Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are"
• Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
• Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Do you struggle with saying 'no'? You're not alone. Join Bestselling Author Lysa TerKeurst in a compelling conversation about setting healthy boundaries in relationships. True identity, biblical wisdom to navigate chaos and insights on self-care. If you're seeking to enhance relationships and emotional well-being, this episode is a must-listen.

Show Notes and Resources

• Purchase Lisa's book, "Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are"
• Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
• Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

In this emotionally rich and spiritually grounded episode of FamilyLife Today, Dave and Ann Wilson dive into one of the most personal, transformative aspects of their marriage—how powerful, life-giving words can uplift and transform a spouse, especially within the context of Christian marriage.

The episode centers on themes from Ann Wilson’s book, specifically focusing on how women can speak life into their husbands even when all they want to do is criticize or “coach” them. Dave vulnerably shares the impact of Ann's affirmations over their 45 years of marriage—how both praise and constructive criticism shaped him into a better man, father, husband, and spiritual leader.

One pivotal story revisited multiple times is when Ann expressed disappointment in the difference between Dave’s passionate presence at church and his disengaged presence at home. While Dave’s initial reaction was defensive, he later realized through prayer that God was speaking through Ann, awakening him to the need for spiritual leadership at home.

They unpack the idea of the wife as a “helper suitable” (from Genesis 2:18), diving deep into the original Hebrew words “ezer” and “k’negdo.” These terms, often misunderstood as denoting subservience, are redefined as symbols of strength, equality, and divine partnership. Ann shares insights from theologians and Jewish scholars, painting a picture of a wife not as a passive supporter but a warrior who stands toe to toe with her husband, helping him become all that God created him to be.

The Wilsons emphasize the importance of affirming the good in each other rather than tearing each other down, especially when trying to correct faults. Critique alone rarely motivates change; but love-filled truth, built on a foundation of encouragement, does. They compare it to making deposits in an emotional bank account: affirmations are deposits, and critiques are withdrawals. Without a balance of positivity, correction only causes further distance.

The episode ends with a reflection on the spiritual reality of marriage. They stress that spouses must first be filled by God, or they will look to each other to meet needs only Christ can fill—resulting in disappointment and relational strain. Instead, if both partners are spiritually nourished, their love and support become an overflow rather than a demand.

This candid conversation offers practical insight, biblical wisdom, and personal vulnerability that challenges and encourages both husbands and wives to build marriages that reflect God’s design and grace.

Show Notes and Resources

• Purchase "How to Speak Life to Your Husband" on our website.
• Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
• Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

In this candid and emotionally powerful episode of FamilyLife Today, co-hosts Ann and Dave Wilson sit down to talk about their deeply personal journey of transformation within their marriage — a journey that led to the writing of their new book, How to Speak Life to Your Husband When All You Want to Do is Yell at Him.

What begins as a lighthearted moment with Dave calling Ann his favorite guest quickly turns into a raw exploration of how words — especially those said (or not said) in marriage — can either give life or slowly crush someone's spirit. Ann shares the heartbreaking realization that her constant critiques, though intended as help, came across as boos to Dave — a far cry from the encouragement he needed.

The episode dives into a pivotal moment when Dave, during an impromptu speaking engagement at a women’s group, publicly revealed that after their marriage, he no longer felt cheered on by Ann but instead heard “boo, boo, boo” when walking in the door. This blindsided Ann and led to a very tense ride home, followed by a powerful personal reckoning with God. Ann’s honest prayer and God’s gentle but firm response (“Yes”) started a spiritual and emotional transformation that impacted their marriage and parenting deeply.

They discuss how expectations, unmet hopes, and internal scripts shape how women view their husbands — and how the enemy (Satan) can fuel those disappointments with subtle whispers that deepen discontent. Brain science also comes into play, as Ann notes that 85% of our thoughts are negative and 95% are repetitive, illustrating how easily women can spiral into patterns of criticism.

Throughout the episode, the Wilsons reflect on Scripture (especially Proverbs 18:21 and Matthew 7:3-5), the role of pride, and how important it is to take thoughts captive. They talk about how Ann began intentionally looking for and vocalizing the good in Dave. It started with thanking him for simple things — like working hard — and grew into genuine, spirit-building encouragement that transformed not just their marriage but their legacy.

They emphasize that this message is not for abusive relationships, but for average, well-meaning marriages where miscommunication and unmet expectations erode intimacy. By inviting God into her mindset, Ann became a woman who spoke life, not just to her husband but to everyone around her. Dave affirms how this change brought vibrancy back into their home — and calls on women to reflect on their own “way of being” toward their husbands.

The episode ends with a passionate call to action: support the FamilyLife Today ministry so more marriages can be transformed through God's truth and grace.

Show Notes and Resources

• Purchase "How to Speak Life to Your Husband" on our website.
• Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
• Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network