In this FamilyLife Today podcast episode, Dave and Ann Wilson speak to Johnny and Jackie Gibson as they share their deeply moving journey through grief after the stillbirth of their daughter, Layla. Johnny opens up about the painful experience of losing Layla in 2016, a tragedy that left them both devastated. The couple talks about their personal ways of coping with grief, including how they involved their young son, Ben, in the grieving process. Ben, at just three and a half years old, asked poignant questions that prompted profound conversations about death and faith. Johnny shares how these conversations inspired him to write The Moon is Always Round, a book about grief and hope told from Ben’s perspective.The couple discusses how they handled their grief differently but remained close throughout the process. They mention how they supported each other through the journey and how their marriage grew stronger as a result of facing this tragic loss together. The importance of open communication and space to grieve in different ways is highlighted, as well as the comfort they found in their faith and the church community.In addition, they share touching personal rituals, like visiting Layla’s grave and engaging in a family catechism, to honor her memory. Johnny reflects on how their daughter's legacy continues to impact many people through the book and how the royalties from The Moon is Always Round fund the Layla the Evangelist scholarship, helping train future Christian evangelists. This episode is a powerful testament to faith, grief, and the ways in which even the shortest lives can leave an enduring impact.

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This episode features a heartfelt discussion with FamilyLife Today hosts Dave and Ann Wilson and Jackie Gibson, who shares her deeply personal experience of losing her daughter, Layla, to stillbirth at 39 weeks. The conversation focuses on how one can endure suffering, offering guidance on how to walk through valleys of grief and loss. Jackie opens up about the challenges she faced after Layla's death and emphasizes the importance of having a strong spiritual foundation to withstand such hardship. She credits the teachings of scripture and the support of a solid church community for helping her through this immense trial.Jackie talks about the importance of acknowledging the reality of suffering, not expecting an easy walk through life as a Christian, and finding comfort in knowing that suffering is part of the process of being shaped into Christ's image. She reflects on the pain of loss, the process of grief, and the healing that gradually begins over time. While the pain never fully disappears, Jackie discusses the possibility of joy returning and shares how she now finds solace in the resurrection hope.She also shares practical advice on how to support those grieving, specifically offering tips on what to do and what not to do when someone experiences a loss. Showing up, offering practical help, and acknowledging the loss are the key themes of her advice. Jackie recounts how, despite the pain, her family continues to honor Layla’s memory and celebrate her life, marking her birthday with special traditions.The episode also touches on the complex emotions surrounding abortion and miscarriage. Jackie explains how she came to understand the gospel's hope for those who have experienced abortion, sharing that, like any mother who has lost a child, women who have had abortions can find peace and forgiveness through Christ. The conversation is full of compassion and support for anyone struggling with grief, guilt, and the complexities of loss.The episode ends with a powerful prayer for those listening who are experiencing grief, especially the mothers who have lost children, and a reminder of the hope found in Jesus Christ's resurrection.

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In this heartfelt FamilyLife Today podcast episode, Jackie Gibson, author of "You Are Still A Mother," joins Dave and Ann Wilson to discuss the deep emotional pain of experiencing miscarriage and stillbirth, offering both personal insights and spiritual reflections on how to navigate such immense grief. Jackie begins by sharing the heartbreak of losing her second child, Layla, a daughter born still in 2016. As a mother and grandmother, Jackie offers a profound and vulnerable perspective on the loss of a child, especially when you have no baby to hold, and no tangible evidence to show for your motherhood.Jackie recounts the anticipation and joy that filled her life leading up to the pregnancy with Layla, only to face the devastating news that her daughter had passed away before birth. The emotional rollercoaster began with a seemingly ordinary Sunday morning when Jackie noticed the baby’s movements had slowed, leading to a phone call to the hospital. After being advised to stay home and monitor the baby’s movements, Jackie found out the following day that there was no heartbeat. This moment was the beginning of a grief journey that led to a profound wrestle with God's sovereignty, loss, and questions about His goodness.Throughout the episode, Jackie opens up about her family's story, including how her husband Johnny, a seminary professor, supported her during this traumatic time. She discusses the significance of her relationship with the Lord during this time, sharing how God’s nearness and the comfort of scripture provided solace amidst the confusion and sorrow. Despite the overwhelming pain of Layla’s death, Jackie emphasizes that she clung to the belief that God was still sovereign and good, even when it felt incomprehensible.Jackie’s book, You Are Still a Mother, was written from the place of her own journey through grief, with the aim of offering support and hope to other women and families facing the loss of a child. She highlights how many mothers who experience miscarriage or stillbirth often feel invisible, as though their motherhood isn’t valid since they did not bring a baby home. She explains that motherhood is not defined by the child you bring home, but by the love and bond shared, even if the child is not physically present.The conversation also touches on the importance of community and how the support of friends, family, and the church during moments of grief can be life-changing. Jackie discusses how scripture, such as the verse from Deuteronomy 33:27, was a source of strength for her, helping her through moments of despair and fear. She shares advice on how to be supportive when someone else is grieving, and the importance of offering presence, scripture, and prayer without needing to have all the answers.The episode ends with a powerful encouragement for listeners who are going through similar grief, reminding them that they are still mothers, even if their children are no longer with them. Jackie invites listeners to embrace their grief with God, acknowledge the pain, and trust that He will guide them through their suffering. The podcast also highlights Jackie’s book as a resource for those who are struggling with miscarriage or stillbirth.

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In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson explore the lives of five remarkable Christians who changed the world without holding traditional religious titles like pastors or missionaries. Jordan Raynor, the author of "Five Mere Christians," joins the discussion and introduces these figures, starting with Fannie Lou Hamer, whose activism played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. Rainer reveals that while Hamer's story is well-known among African Americans, many white people are unaware of her contributions, highlighting the racial divide in historical knowledge.Fannie Lou Hamer, a poor Black sharecropper from Mississippi, took the courageous step of attempting to register to vote in 1962, a move that led to her imprisonment and brutal beating by a police officer. Despite the violence she endured, Hamer went on to form the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, which aimed to challenge voter suppression in the South. Hamer's testimony at the 1964 Democratic National Convention, despite being disrupted by President Lyndon B. Johnson's efforts to suppress it, brought national attention to the injustices in Mississippi and helped secure voting rights for African Americans. What stood out in her story was her ability to fight for justice without hating or canceling her enemies, maintaining a Christ-like approach of praying for those who wronged her.The conversation then shifts to how justice and love should intersect in today’s world. The hosts explore how modern Christians, in their pursuit of justice, should avoid adopting worldly methods such as cancel culture, which contrasts with Christ's teachings on loving one's enemies and praying for them.Next, the discussion takes a turn to the founder of LEGO, Ole Kirk Christiansen, whose life was marked by incredible perseverance and faith. Christiansen’s story of overcoming tragedy—including multiple factory fires and the deaths of his wife and child—illustrates his deep trust in God’s plan. His commitment to creating toys during difficult times showed his belief in the power of play and its connection to God’s joy in creation. His ability to persevere through extreme hardships and still focus on bringing joy to others is a testament to his Christian faith and work ethic.The episode concludes by discussing how these individuals demonstrate the importance of both trusting in God’s sovereignty and hustling to make a difference in the world. Rainer encourages listeners to engage in their work and relationships with a balance of prayer, action, and rest, as exemplified by these extraordinary individuals. Ultimately, the podcast emphasizes that even in the most difficult of circumstances, faith, perseverance, and trust in God can bring transformation.

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In this episode, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson bring back Jordan Raynor to continue their conversation about how to integrate faith into everyday work. Jordan passionately discusses the concept of sacred versus secular work, challenging the common divide between the two. He emphasizes that everything, including our secular jobs, can be sacred if we approach them with the right mindset, recognizing that Jesus is Lord over all of life. This idea is rooted in the belief that God is with us everywhere, and that it’s not the nature of the work that makes it sacred, but the intention behind it, the manner in which it is done, and the communion with the Holy Spirit in the process.Jordan shares a personal story from his college years, recounting a moment when he was offered a chance to try out for the Cincinnati Bengals, but he turned it down, believing that God was calling him into full-time Christian ministry. Reflecting on that decision, Jordan critiques the advice he was given, noting that many young Christians are told to pursue full-time ministry while neglecting the value of secular work as a calling in itself.Jordan also discusses his new book, Five Mere Christians, in which he highlights five influential individuals who lived out their faith through their work in ways that impacted the world. These figures include Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers), Fannie Lou Hamer, Ole Kirk Christensen (founder of LEGO), Hannah Moore (a poet and abolitionist), and C.S. Lewis. He explores how these individuals exemplified what it looks like to glorify God through everyday work, even when it was not considered traditional Christian ministry.Jordan details Fred Rogers’ life, particularly his deep commitment to serving children through his show, "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood." Fred’s life was marked by his understanding that his work in television was a form of ministry. His compassion, especially for underprivileged children, came from his own childhood experiences and his deep relationship with God. Fred's intentional choice to be present with people, to slow down and offer them his full attention, is highlighted as a critical aspect of his Christ-like behavior.Throughout the episode, Jordan challenges listeners to rethink how they approach their own work. He offers practical advice on how to eliminate hurry, make space for margin in our calendars, and prioritize relationships over tasks. The conversation emphasizes being fully present with the people we interact with and cultivating a pace of life that allows us to show the love of Christ in tangible ways, just like Fred Rogers did.

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In this podcast episode, Dr. Ryan Rush and his host discuss the significance of mealtime in family life, focusing on the emotional, spiritual, and physical transformations that can take place when families gather around the table. Dr. Rush, who is also known as "Dinner Table Ryan," talks about his book, "Restore the Table," which advocates for the power of shared meals in fostering strong familial bonds. He explains that mealtime is one of the most impactful habits a family can adopt, and it doesn't have to involve gourmet dishes or elaborate plans to be effective.The discussion begins humorously with Dr. Rush admitting he’s not much of a cook but emphasizes the importance of the shared experience over the food itself. He elaborates on the "overachieving meal" as a major mistake many families make when trying to make meals too complex, which often leads to burnout. He advocates for simplicity, recalling his mother’s recipe for sloppy joes and how it became a cherished memory for him, highlighting that meals should be about togetherness rather than perfection.The conversation touches on common pitfalls families face during mealtime, such as diving too deep into heavy conversations too quickly. Dr. Rush and his host share a funny story about a dinner guest who was uncomfortable with a deep question about marriage, illustrating how it's essential to keep conversations at the table light and natural at first. They also discuss the balance between allowing deeper conversations to flow naturally and avoiding turning mealtime into an interrogation. They recommend asking open-ended questions like, "Tell me your story," to let people share at their own pace.Additionally, they talk about how mealtimes shouldn't turn into lectures, particularly for parents who might feel the need to impart lessons to their kids during meals. Instead, mealtime should be about connection and fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and loved. They recount stories of their own experiences with overly serious meal discussions and the importance of creating a joyful atmosphere around the table.The episode also addresses the distractions that modern technology, such as phones and TVs, can bring to mealtime. Dr. Rush emphasizes the importance of being fully present during family meals and advises parents to set boundaries around media use during mealtimes. They reflect on how phones, even when not actively being looked at, can still send the message that the person in front of you isn’t as important as whatever might be happening on the device.Lastly, Dr. Rush and his host encourage parents to embrace the chaos of mealtime with young children, understanding that even when things get messy, the act of sitting together and sharing a meal has lasting benefits. They talk about the future regrets parents may have when their children leave home, urging families to cherish these moments before they are gone.

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In this episode, Dr. Ryan Rush and FamilyLife Today hosts Dave and Ann Wilson discuss the power of mealtime and its profound impact on families, relationships, and spiritual growth. The conversation begins with a humorous remark about how the interview feels "wrong" because there's no food present, highlighting the importance of food and mealtimes in their daily lives. This sets the tone for a discussion on the significance of shared meals, something that has been studied by Dr. Rush for years.Dr. Rush explains how meals around the table can restore and strengthen family connections, noting that while people universally agree that mealtime is important, it is often neglected due to busy schedules. The episode delves into the challenges families face in making mealtimes a priority, especially when schedules are jam-packed with activities. However, Dr. Rush emphasizes that finding just a few moments to gather around the table—whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—can make a huge difference in maintaining strong family bonds.The idea of a "trunk picnic" is introduced, showcasing how creative solutions like eating in the back of a car can make mealtime a special occasion, no matter how busy life gets. Dr. Rush also shares insights from his own experiences, offering personal anecdotes of how his family has maintained mealtimes despite hectic schedules. This includes how his family holds a weekly meal together at a local restaurant after church and how even in the midst of tough circumstances, meals continue to be a bonding time.The episode further explores the spiritual significance of mealtimes. Dr. Rush highlights how mealtime can be an opportunity for evangelism and building relationships, particularly with neighbors. By inviting others to the table, families can engage in meaningful conversations and show Christ’s love without explicitly preaching. He shares stories from his diverse neighborhood, including connections with people from different cultural and religious backgrounds.The emotional and spiritual growth that can occur around the table is also discussed, especially in light of Dr. Rush’s family’s experiences with their daughter Lily, who has special needs. Despite Lily's nonverbal communication, she plays a central role in the family’s mealtime practices by encouraging prayer and helping the family stay focused on what truly matters.Throughout the episode, Dr. Rush invites listeners to participate in the "Restore the Table" challenge, encouraging them to spend 40 days prioritizing mealtime as a way to strengthen family and spiritual life. He offers practical advice and tips for making mealtimes a regular, cherished part of daily life, and the hosts encourage listeners to read his book, Restore the Table, for further insights.

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In this episode of FamilyLife Today, Dave and Ann Wilson discuss the profound importance of family meal times, a topic that resonates deeply with both the hosts and their guest, Dr. Ryan Rush. The conversation begins with a heartfelt recollection from one of the hosts about their special memories of their childhood dinner table, where laughter, stories, and a sense of security thrived. Dr. Rush shares his own passion for the family dinner table, emphasizing how the simple act of sitting down together can have a lasting impact on relationships, mental health, and overall family cohesion.Dr. Rush, who pastors in Katy, Texas, explains his approach to family life through the lens of intentionality, highlighting how meals together offer families a unique opportunity to connect and foster relationships. He references his book Restore the Table, which explores how families can cultivate meaningful, distraction-free meals, even in today's fast-paced world. According to Dr. Rush, studies have shown that families who share meaningful meals regularly (about five times a week) experience better mental health, improved academic performance, and stronger relationships. These meals, while seemingly simple, serve as a place for connection and bonding.Dr. Rush also discusses how his own family’s journey shifted when they embraced Christ, which brought about a deeper commitment to intentional family time, especially around the table. His upbringing in a busy household with a father who worked hard and was often absent contrasts with the transformative shift they experienced when they began prioritizing shared family meals.The conversation dives into practical advice on how families can make meals meaningful, emphasizing the importance of setting aside distractions (such as phones and TV), scheduling regular meal times, and creating an environment where meaningful conversations can happen. Dr. Rush gives examples of simple conversation starters and shares tips on making mealtime a time for connection, even for families that may have struggled in the past or are dealing with conflict.The hosts and Dr. Rush also discuss the broader impact of mealtime discussions, particularly for teens who may seem distant but still deeply desire a connection with their parents. Dr. Rush stresses that family meals can be transformative, even if they initially feel awkward or forced, and encourages parents to be intentional in carving out this time. He also highlights how this approach has led to restored marriages and reconnected families in his church, demonstrating how powerful family meals can be in the healing process.The conversation also touches on the role of single parents or families with different dynamics, noting that meaningful meal times are not exclusive to traditional family units. Dr. Rush shares his experiences mentoring young people, illustrating that even if a child lacks one or both parents, a meaningful connection over a meal can still have a profound impact.In conclusion, the podcast episode emphasizes the transformative power of shared family meals. Through intentional time at the table, families can foster deep relationships, create a culture of meaningful conversation, and experience spiritual growth. The episode serves as a call to action for families to make mealtime a priority and restore the tradition of connection that can strengthen bonds and build lasting memories.

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In this podcast episode, Dave and Ashley Willis return to discuss their ministry, "Naked Marriage," with hosts Dave and Ann Wilson. They focus on the importance of emotional and spiritual openness within marriage. The episode starts with an update on their four children, including the unique characteristics of each child and how they keep the couple both young and old at the same time.The conversation then dives into the topic of “secrets” in marriage, specifically addressing the issue of pornography and its impact on relationships. The Willises explore the emotional pain caused by hidden secrets, especially when one partner reveals something like pornography use, which feels like a betrayal. Ashley shares her personal experience of battling anxiety, which she kept hidden from Dave, and the impact it had on their relationship.A major point of discussion centers around how couples can navigate such revelations, with Dave sharing his past struggles with pornography and how he dealt with them. He discusses how keeping secrets, particularly regarding pornography, can lead to guilt and shame, and how the act of keeping such secrets can create a cycle of deceit in relationships.Ashley offers advice to women who are dealing with the revelation of such secrets from their husbands, emphasizing the need to feel and process emotions like anger and grief, but also not to let those feelings dictate the future of the relationship. She underscores that it’s important for couples to face the truth and the pain together. The couple also talks about how boundaries and accountability tools are critical in relationships to avoid temptation, especially in today's digital age.The conversation also touches on the importance of open communication with children about pornography and the necessity of setting up safeguards, like filtering software, to protect young minds. Dave and Ashley emphasize how their open dialogue about sex with their children has been crucial to creating a safe space for them to ask questions without shame.Finally, the episode dives into the broader theme of healing from past trauma and secrets, encouraging listeners to bring the truth into the light for healing and freedom. They discuss the importance of not keeping any secret that might weigh heavily on the relationship, with both partners sharing their past struggles and the power of vulnerability in marriage.

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In this episode, Dave and Ashley Willis, alongside hosts David and Anne Wilson, share their journey of navigating marriage, mental health, vulnerability, and the struggles that come with facing hidden struggles, such as anxiety, depression, and pornography. The conversation is deeply personal as they explore the challenges they've faced in their own marriages, offering listeners practical advice and powerful stories of grace and healing.The episode opens with a humorous and warm exchange between the hosts and guests. Dave and Ashley Willis drive down from Atlanta to Orlando and talk about their marriage ministry, which has flourished through Facebook, podcasts, and other online resources. They began with a simple Facebook page called "Marriage," later rebranded as “Naked Marriage.” This title, while provocative, is grounded in the biblical concept of "naked and unashamed," emphasizing the importance of emotional intimacy in marriage. They highlight the idea that marriage should be a place of full vulnerability, where secrets are laid bare, and trust is developed.Ashley shares a personal story about the struggles with anxiety and depression she faced early in their marriage. For years, she kept her anxiety a secret from Dave, feeling deep shame. However, after a painful moment of realizing she couldn’t carry the burden alone, she finally confided in Dave. His patient, understanding response played a pivotal role in her healing process. This moment is a beautiful example of what it looks like when partners support each other in marriage, choosing presence over the need to fix.The conversation then turns to the topic of pornography, which, despite its prevalence in society, remains a taboo subject in many marriages. Dave shares his own battle with pornography, acknowledging the secrecy and shame he felt, and how it became a significant obstacle in his marriage. He describes his initial decision to keep his struggles hidden from Ashley, believing he could overcome them on his own. However, when Ashley discovered his secret years later, the initial confrontation was intense, filled with emotions of betrayal, anger, and shame. Over time, with grace, accountability, and the support of each other, they worked through the difficulty together.The couple discusses the ongoing challenges that many couples face regarding pornography in their relationships, and they emphasize that it is a problem in and out of the church. They point out that while it’s a difficult issue to confront, bringing it into the light is the key to finding freedom and healing.The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to access their free eBook, Nine Days to Great Sex, a resource designed to help couples break free from barriers like pornography and rediscover intimacy. It’s clear from this conversation that both Dave and Ashley, as well as David and Anne, have made it their life’s mission to help married couples build trust, communicate openly, and develop deeper emotional intimacy.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/84/29