Family | Chrystal Evans Hurst

Could you say with assurance that you can adequately defend your Christian faith? 

As believers, it is our responsibility to develop our belief so that we are able to give an answer for the hope that lies within us for ourselves and all of humanity. However, when given the opportunity to stand up for what we believe, many are not confident in their ability to do so, so they shy away from certain discussions. You do not have to spend years in seminary or become an apologist to adequately and accurately defend your faith. All you need is a basic understanding of the fundamentals. 

Out of passion and purpose, Dr. Sarita Lyons has the ability to share the important fundamentals of the Christian faith and apologetics. She does this so that we can understand and be motivated and inspired to take the sharing of our faith seriously!

We live in a broken world, and Dr. Sarita Lyons believes that we can bring healing to sin conditions through apologetics – the ability to give answers to controversial topics. 

We have a very real enemy, and though he has been defeated, his tactics continue to inundate our culture through enemies of the faith – the lies concerning feminism, the conscious community, worldly philosophy, etc. So the church, you and I, have to be able to give an answer from a place of truth and love without shame, doubt, or question. 

Apologetics leaves us with one goal as believers: to make the person and work of Jesus Christ known to the world. We are all called to be evangelists, and through apologetics, we share the gospel, defend our faith and impart hope to the unbeliever. 

I am a forever learner, and this conversation on The Fundamentals of Faith got my wheels turning, and I am sure you’ll be inspired as well. 

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If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you work out, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!

In a society where many are hyper focused on honoring themselves, how do you raise kids to love, honor, and fear the Lord?  In what ways can parents instill faith while also creating room for kids to grow and build their own relationships with God? Let’s be honest, parenting, in general, is hard. It’s a winding journey filled with uncertainty, overwhelming periods of joy, moments of exhaustion, and love.  Motherhood often feels like you are being pulled in a hundred different directions. We are always fixing or setting something up for everyone around us. Add ministry to the list and it can become twice as hectic. 

If you’re like me, you may be looking to balance it all while getting in some meaningful moments that will hopefully spur your children’s faith on for years to come. It can be easy to obsess over how much Jesus your children are getting, but passing faith on can be as simple as just living it out.

In this unique interview my daughter, Kariss Farris, joins me as we interview Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter, Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright. They both describe what it looked like for them to see faith lived out at home in their respective childhood experiences, and how that impacted who they are today. The faith their parents and grandparents passed down has inspired their new book Jesus Followers, where they share stories that “reveal spiritual wisdom and practical insight for raising the next generation of Jesus Followers.”

Their story reminds me of what Proverbs 22:6 says: “Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.” It’s the small things that you do everyday to honor God that will make an impact on your children’s lives. Their memories will be filled with all of the ways you were faithful and that in turn will inspire their faithfulness. It doesn’t take a lot, just an example of a genuine relationship with Jesus.

Join us in the conversation as we dig deep into what it means to make an impact in the lives of the next generation. My hope is that it encourages you to live out your faith in a way that calls others to follow Jesus.

Follow: Instagram| Twitter | Facebook| YouTube​

Listen: iTunes | Android | Google | Spotify| Stitcher​

Support: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation | Swag

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If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!

Have you ever wondered why God allows you to endure certain trials in life?  When the pain and pressure of your current circumstances threaten to overwhelm you, how can you remain faithful to Him and believe His word? How can you and I choose to trust God when we perceive His absence, or experience His “no”?

In those instances, it’s natural to wonder “why” God allowed events to unfold and to even experience a range of emotions as you digest His decisions. I know this to be true because over the last few years, I’ve had a bunch of hard stuff happen in my life. I’ve wondered how a faithful and good God can allow so many difficult divine disruptions.

I sat down with my father, Dr. Tony Evans, my sister, Priscilla Shirer, and my brothers, Anthony Evans Jr. and Jonathan Evans to discuss our first ever, family collaborative book, “Divine Disruption”.  

We spoke candidly about the challenges, insight, losses, and God’s apparent mercy.  While each of us embodies a unique perspective, in retrospect, the situations that occurred set the stage for us to individually hold onto faith when life’s realities are heartbreaking.

Here’s the truth – God still has His hand over you and has a greater purpose and plan for your life. Even in seasons of life that are consumed by difficulties, pain, or confusion, choose to trust Him. Part of trusting Him may mean that you have to purposefully embrace this season of struggle. Know that your choice to accept all that comes with a difficult period has great potential to increase your faith and deepen your relationship with God.

I believe our chat will give you practical help so that you can take your questions to the Heavenly Father, know how to stand firm on His promises, and trust Him beyond what you can physically see. Whether you’ve just exited a trying season, are currently in one, or heading into one, this conversation is timely and sure to encourage YOU.

Follow: Instagram| Twitter | Facebook| YouTube​

Listen: iTunes | Android | Google | Spotify| Stitcher​

Support: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation | Swag

​

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!

From friendships to marriage, all relationships require intentional work, clear communication, and a whole lot of grace. But let’s face it: mother-daughter relationships are notoriously difficult. Why do mother-daughter relationships have a bad reputation, and what can we do to ease the tension, get along, and love each other in a life-giving way?

Blythe Daniel and her mother, Dr. Helen McIntosh, joined me for a deep dive into the topic of mother-daughter relationships. Blythe and Dr. Helen know first-hand what the common pain points are for moms and daughters, and together they wrote the book, “Mended: Restoring The Hearts of Mothers and Daughters”, based on their experiences of learning to approach their relationship with love and humility.

Sometimes it’s overwhelming to think about all the ways you and your mom or daughter disagree. Blythe and Dr. Helen offer valuable insight into the questions to ask, how to ask them, and what it takes to make space for voicing opinions or clearing the air. One of the great take-aways from this conversation– Start with the end in mind. When you are intentional to engage in meaningful relationships, it’s not about one topic or argument; it’s about growing closer and making things better than they are right now. It takes vulnerability and humility to apologize, ask for forgiveness, and treat our loved ones with respect.

Remember it’s never too late to begin to invest in relationships that matter. Speak the thoughts that are hiding inside of you and choose to replace pride with humility. Sometimes pursuing real connectivity with your mom or daughter will be tough! You must be willing to admit failure or ask, “What do you need from me today?” when you least feel like asking that question. Know that God uniquely designed you to be the person that you are and to be born in your family of origin — no matter how messy those relationships might be. No matter where you are in the relationship with your mom or daughter or anyone else for that matter, it is never too late to go to God for restoration in your own heart and to fulfill your calling to be the repairer of the breach.

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!

If you’ve lived long enough, you know that life can change in an instant – without warning and with no consideration for the plans you’ve made. Kayla Stoecklein’s life changed forever when her husband, Andrew, died by suicide in August of 2018 following a difficult struggle with depression, panic attacks, and mental illness. Andrew’s death threw Kayla into overwhelming confusion, shock, terror, and pain. While still walking through her journey of grief, Kayla has shared her authentic process of healing with others through her social media. She has also shared her family’s story to explore the realities of mental illness, loss, and grief in her book Fear Gone Wild.

Kayla and I talk about the death of her husband and how his passing resulted in the death of a beautiful life that she and her three boys desired and loved. What do you do when you feel like life as you know it–and every dream you’ve ever known– dies? Letting go of a life that she once had unexpectedly propelled Kayla into a season of freedom and gave her the power to pivot and separate herself from all things comfortable.

Kayla and her boys are “rebuilding beautiful.” They are rebuilding a life they love, relearning who they are and where their identity is found. They are creating space to rediscover passions and dreams, and for the first time in a while, Kayla can look around and confidently say she has chosen the life she is living now, with her three boys in tow.

I’m sure there are people or circumstances you expected to be a part of your life that simply are not. It’s okay to grieve. It’s okay to be upset, disappointed, and even confused. But as you listen to my conversation with Kayla, I hope you give yourself permission to rebuild and create a life you love. 

Check out my new book! The 28-Day Prayer Journey

Need to encourage your soul? Try listening to the playlist I put together for my mom, Lady Lois’ Worship

Interested in supporting the content I create and enjoying bonus content? Learn about joining my Inner Circle!

My book, Be sure and also check out my other books She’s Still There, Show Up For Your Life, Kingdom Woman!

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!

Trudy Cathy White joins me for a heart to heart where she talks about her mother, the stories that shaped her, and the lessons she continues to live out as a result. Trudy is the only daughter of the famed Cathy family–the founders of God’s favorite chicken–Chick-fil-A. She is a wife, a grandmother, a philanthropist and a leader who intentionally invests in the next generation.

This conversation with Trudy underscores what many of us know to be true — there is great power in an intentional, serving, and generous mother.

I know this well too.

Whether or not you have children, we can all model hospitality, strength, and faithfulness to others in honor of God. As women, we carry many responsibilities throughout the seasons of our lives, and, if we aren’t careful, we can get lost in pursuing purpose and legacy. It’s so important to remember that the days are long, but the years are short. The time you spend pouring into the lives of others matters.

As you listen to this episode, you’ll be reminded that your life has value, and that God can do far more than you can ask, think or imagine if you just stay the course and honor Him.

Did you catch my last episode with Jamie Grace? Listen here.

Check out my new book! The 28-Day Prayer Journey

Need to encourage your soul? Try listening to the playlist I put together for my mom, Lady Lois’ Worship

Interested in supporting the content I create and enjoying bonus content? Learn about joining my Inner Circle!

My book, Be sure and also check out my other books She’s Still There, Show Up For Your Life, Kingdom Woman!

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!

Well, let’s dive in and talk about relationships, more specifically toxic and reliable relationships. Gary Thomas joins me for this important conversation. Gary is an author, speaker, husband, father, and doggy dad. His goal is to connect others in the journey of living life as sons and daughters of Christ. He has authored numerous books on relationships whether the topic was marriage or parenting, but more recently, he has been challenged to address toxic relationships and how the church should be responding to toxic people as a congregation and as Christians. He does so in his recent book, When to Walk Away. 

The best piece of advice Gary ever received was from a great friend who told him to simply not respond when being faced with attacks from a toxic person. This boggled him, only to challenge him to see what God’s response would be. 

Through the gospels, he found where Jesus walked away over and over without resolution. He cared for himself with boundaries which should encourage the rest of us that it’s okay to do the same.  Sometimes walking away does not indicate failure but obedience. 

Gary helps us to know the difference between a toxic person and a reliable one. He also encourages us to learn how to that God can minister to those in need and it may not be through us.

We have to know when to stay and when to leave and also how to seek God’s opinion on the matter. 

Our conversation will help you to gain a correct perspective on relationships, focus on reliable people, and how to obey God’s call to discipleship as we follow his will for our lives based on His Word.

After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment!

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!

Consider this: even though many of us will go in for annual checkups to assess our physical well-being, we hardly ever think about regularly assessing the health of our various relationships—how well we are relating to our friends, family, and acquaintances. Many of us aren’t well-trained to even recognize the symptoms which can signal that a relationship has been infected and needs treatment.  

The main thing I want you to take away from today’s podcast is that you can and should have a plan in place for fighting off the relational attacks which are inevitable. Instating practical preventative measures now can prevent unnecessary heartache down the road and better prepare you to love from a healthy place in every season of life.

In every relationship, both we and our loved ones bring our own personal health to the table: the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is completely natural that relationships will go through varying seasons because we as individuals go through varying seasons in our lives. Everything won’t be perfect all of the time; sometimes, for example, we or our spouse might be stressed about work or grieving the loss of a family member. Those things can’t be helped. But as we better understand ourselves and the nature of relationships, we will be better able to navigate these seasons, showing a greater love for each other through them. 

Debra Fileta, the author of Love in Every Season, helps us to understand the four different seasons that are common to every relationship we experience. Beyond defining what those seasons are, Debra explains how to practically navigate each of those seasons well. If you’ve never thought about assessing your relational health, or you feel that some of your relationships have become strained, this is an episode you will definitely want to listen to. 

Listen: our relationships will only be as strong as we are. We won’t do any good in our relationships unless we start with the planks before moving to the specks (Matthew 7:5). It doesn’t matter whether you are single, dating, engaged or married—the principles shared in this episode will be beneficial to any relationship you want to grow and develop. I hope you are helped as you listen.

After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment!

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!

We often have to remind ourselves to submit all areas of our life to Christ and honor the direction He sets for us. These reminders come through marital challenges, motherhood struggles, and life decisions which often cause us to question assumptions about life we thought we already had figured out. How we respond to those questions is what helps us define our identity. Discovering one’s identity is not a box-checking exercise. There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to Christian womanhood. Instead, we have to trust what God says about Himself and what He says about us in order to have a full understanding of who we really are.

We also must be intentional about how we raise our children through both the lens of Christianity and culture. This world often communicates information that is flawed and untrue. So, for ourselves, and for our children, we must intentionally develop strong roots so that we can lay strong roots as we parent our children in the Christian faith. As we learn to deal with tough topics and engage with others from a place of grace and love, we can model rooted identity for those in our circle of influence. When we operate from the truth of God’s Word, we move forward on a firm foundation to understand ourselves and those around us.

Jasmine’s book, Mother to Son: Letters to a Black Boy on Identity and Hope, releases on March 24, 2020, and this book is for everyone! It’s not a parenting book, but rather a book for the church on identity, race, and how to love the way God calls us to love as Christians — starting with those that are closest to us.

After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment!

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!