CrossCurrent Podcasts

New 90-day sprint to finish your book starts September 10, 2026. Details at: https://www.trainingauthors.com/sprint

For a few years, Hitz Blitz was a private podcast. Short episodes recorded on the way to somewhere else, most of them under ten minutes. A blitz is defined in the dictionary as "a sudden, energetic, and concerted effort, typically on a specific task," and that's what these were meant to be. A quick burst of encouragement for your writing, not a full training.

Now we're opening the archive up here on the Kingdom Writers Podcast.

In this episode, Shelley explains what the Hitz Blitz was, why she's sharing it now, and what to expect. These land on Tuesdays, though not every Tuesday. They show up when there's one to give. Your regular Kingdom Writers episode still arrives on Thursday, same as always.

Some of these run five minutes. Some run two. They'll feel different from what you're used to hearing here, and that's the point.

Don't forget to join us for the next 90-day sprint to finish your book here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/sprint

Use coupon code INNERCIRCLE25 for 25% off through September 12, 2026.

What does it take to spend decades defending free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, and educational freedom?

In this conversation, Kurt and Kristen Luidhardt talk with constitutional attorney Mike Farris about some of the major legal battles that have shaped his career.

He explains the Johnson Amendment and why its restrictions on political speech by churches remain an important free speech issue, including the current legal effort challenging how the law is applied.

Mike also looks back on arguing NIFLA v. Becerra before the U.S. Supreme Court, where pro-life pregnancy centers challenged California requirements compelling them to communicate information about abortion.

He shares the preparation behind the case, including the moment Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg asked the exact question he had prepared for.

The conversation expands into Mike's work with the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, Patrick Henry College, Alliance Defending Freedom, and decades of litigation surrounding religious and parental liberty.

He explains why meaningful legal change can take years or even decades, and why faith requires trusting both God's sovereignty and His goodness through that process.

Mike closes with a warning that freedom cannot be secured by one generation and assumed to last forever. It has to be understood, practiced, defended, and passed on to the next generation.

00:00 Arguing Before the Supreme Court

01:44 What Is the Johnson Amendment?

06:11 Unequal Enforcement and Church Speech

10:38 Challenging the Johnson Amendment

14:09 Winning NIFLA v. Becerra

18:03 Preparing for the Supreme Court

22:20 Ruth Bader Ginsburg's First Question

25:01 Defending Freedom Internationally

27:57 Why Legal Battles Take Years

28:53 Trusting God's Goodness While Waiting

31:59 The Beginning of Mike's Legal Calling

34:13 Why He Founded Patrick Henry College

40:20 The Next Free Speech Battles

44:22 Why Personal Relationships Protect Freedom

48:54 Legacy and the Next Generation

RESOURCES MENTIONED

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The struggle to give our kids a biblical education is real. Kori Pennypacker shares how her ministry, Bible2School, provides free Bible programs to help young students grow their faith in public school. Tune in to hear her explain how to develop Christian values in our kids from an early age!
Receive a copy of the "Backpack Faith" bundle and an audio download of "Bringing Good News to Kids in Public School" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.
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Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Leave a message for Jim Daly!
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Tyndale's work laid the foundation for virtually every English Bible translation of the past 500 years and left a major mark on the English language and our theological vocabulary.

__________

For more resources visit breakpoint.org. 

Your book deserves more than words on a page—it deserves stories that stay with readers long after they finish the last chapter.

If you've ever worried your stories fall flat, feel surface-level, or simply don't capture the power they held in real life, you're not alone. Many writers struggle with stories that don't connect deeply or get forgotten too quickly.

That's why we created the Stories That Stick workshop. In just 90 minutes, you'll:

• Discover a list of meaningful story ideas you can use right away.

• Walk away with one fully outlined story that's ready to bring to life.

• Learn a simple, repeatable framework to craft stories that resonate, connect, and remain unforgettable to your readers.

Because a book shouldn't just be written—it should be remembered.

Get your ticket here: https://authors.thrivecart.com/stories-that-stick

There is no greater heartbreak for a Christian parent than watching a beloved child drift away from the faith. Yet in today’s world, navigating doubt and rebellion in our kids is increasingly common — and even the most dedicated parents may find themselves walking the painful road of the prodigal.

In this powerful and hope-filled episode, Catherine concludes her two-part “Best Of” series on Gen Z with Laurie Christine , originally aired on Redeeming the Chaos. Together, they tackle the hard questions: How do you parent a child who’s struggling in their faith? How do you protect your relationship and retain influence when your child is questioning, doubting, or rejecting core beliefs? What actions can help draw a wandering heart back — and what parental mistakes might actually push them further away?

Seven Big Reasons Gen Z Is Leaving the Faith
Catherine briefly recaps the top reasons young people cite for leaving Christianity, referencing Barna Research:

1. Struggling with the existence of evil and suffering

2. Perceiving Christians as hypocrites

3. Belief that science contradicts the Bible

4. Dismissing Christianity as a “fairy tale”

5. Disillusionment over injustices in Christian history

6. Apathy or perceived irrelevance of church

7. Negative experiences with Christians or church

Guidance for Parents Navigating a Prodigal Child's Journey
With raw honesty and wisdom, Catherine draws from her own family’s story and years of hosting Christian Parent Crazy World. She and Laurie Christine outline practical steps — and critical mindset shifts — for parents of teens and adult children who are wrestling with faith:

• Prayer is your first line of defense. Catherine emphasizes the unique spiritual authority parents have in prayer over their children, describing the importance of persistent, faith-filled intercession.

• Know your stage of parenting. Are you a caregiver, cop, coach, or counselor? Catherine details how your approach must shift as your child grows, especially in the late teen and adult years.

• Lead with unconditional love. Affirm your love no matter your child’s beliefs or choices. Laurie Christine highlights the importance of commending kids when they open up about doubt or disagreement, not reacting with panic or punishment.

• Set and communicate healthy boundaries. While extending grace, be clear about the behavioral standards for living in your home — but avoid enabling harmful choices.

• Don’t give endless sermons. Teens know what you believe. What they need now is to see the love of Christ in action and to encounter God for themselves.

• Reject the urge to convince, convict, coerce, or control. Catherine unpacks how these tactics either step into God’s role or mirror the enemy’s strategies. Instead, keep your focus on love, wise counsel, and prayer.

• Humble yourself and own your mistakes. Apologize when you’ve erred. Humility builds bridges and trust.

Releasing Guilt and Entrusting Your Child to God
Every parent will wonder “What did I do wrong?” Catherine compassionately reassures listeners that even a perfect parent—God Himself—had two children in the Garden who chose rebellion. She delineates what is a parent’s responsibility, what belongs to the child, and what only God can do. Parents must let go of crushing guilt and trust God’s r

The late Steve Farrar invites listeners to consider life not as an accident, but as a purposeful design rooted in God’s sovereign plan. Beginning with God rather than self, he uses Scripture to show that every life is intentionally formed, spiritually awakened by faith, and prepared in advance for meaningful good works. Through trials, growth, and obedience—including a call to sexual purity — Dr. Farrar underscores that God’s wisdom can be trusted, offering deep comfort and direction for a blessed, purpose-filled life.
Receive a copy of the "How to Ruin Your Life by 30" bundle and an audio download of "Discovering Why God Made You" 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 
Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Leave a message for Jim Daly!
If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.