CrossCurrent Podcasts

Melanie Shankle shares how childhood trauma and a “mean girl” mom affected her life, marriage, and motherhood, bringing a message of hope and healing in Jesus Christ.

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Patriotism is on the downturn.

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Chuck Colson's daily prayer was to light the marketplace of ideas afire with Gospel truth.

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Life will throw you curveballs—but what does it take to overcome rather than become bitter, broken, or stuck?

Every parent knows the reality: plans fall apart, hearts break, and the future can look nothing like what we expected. In those moments, the temptation is to let disappointment, anger, or grief pull us away from God—or, worse, leave us stranded in bitterness and regret. But what if those hard seasons could press us deeper into faith, transforming us into true overcomers and not just survivors?

Moving From Crisis to Overcoming

In this episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes guest Dr. Erin Barry, an expert counselor, author, and educational consultant with decades of experience supporting families through life’s most disorienting seasons. Picking up from their previous conversation—which focused on navigating crises—this episode goes further: revealing how to actually overcome and grow stronger through adversity.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• How to Grieve and Process Honestly: Dr. Barry underscores the importance of recognizing loss in every transition, even “good” ones, and learning to sit with grief rather than avoid it.

• Breaking Free from Unrealistic Expectations: Catherine and Dr. Barry dismantle “Hallmark theology,” warning against the harm of unrealistic cultural ideals, and share how biblical truth brings lasting hope.

• Wrestling with God: The conversation explores how, like Jacob, we must bring our raw pain and questions directly to God, refusing to let go until He blesses us—even if the blessing looks different than we expect.

• Offering the Sacrifice of Praise: Catherine shares her personal testimony of practicing gratitude amid heartbreak, describing how worship in the difficult moments is precious to God and changes us.

• Solidifying Identity in Christ: Crisis shakes the foundations of who we are. Dr. Barry offers practical insight on anchoring your identity not in roles or achievements, but in Christ alone.

• Building a Circle of Support: Listeners are encouraged to seek empathetic friends and faith-based communities where they can process, pray, and celebrate victories together.

• Choosing Faith Over Fear: The episode emphasizes the importance of daily hope and steadfastness, holding on even when answers don’t come quickly.

Golden Takeaways

• “The winner isn’t the one who does it perfectly; it’s the one who stays steadfast, who stays in the game.”

• “If you want to make the enemy furious, offer the sacrifice of praise right in the middle of your heartbreak.”

About the Guest

Dr. Erin Barry, PhD in Christian Counseling, is a seasoned counselor, speaker, author, and co-founder of Home Educated Mind. Her blend of clinical expertise and biblical wisdom brings unique insight and practical tools to parents navigating tough seasons.

A Challenge for Christian Parents

What curveball are you facing right now—and where can you choose to move from surviving to overcoming? How are you anchoring your hope and identity in Christ when life doesn’t go as planned?

Tune in for inspiration and actionable wisdom—so when life gets crazy, your faith and your family can thrive.

Episode Resources

• inseparableLives.com – More about Dr. Erin Barry and her ministry.

• Yes, You Can Homeschool! The Terrified Parent’s Companion To Homeschool Success –

Outdoor adventurer, Bear Grylls, shares his faith journey, overcoming challenges, and about the most exciting and difficult project of his life - writing about The Greatest Story Ever Told - the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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