License to Parent with Trace Embry

Representation For All

The United States of America has an Emancipation Proclamation. Did you know that we are the only nation that has one? Not only that, the USA is the only nation that fought a war to end the practice of slavery.

You may not be familiar with these facts, because they are often overlooked and underreported. Today you will hear, however, from plenty of false prophets on the topic of representation and racism.

Discussing the Truth of American History with Bob Woodson

That’s the voice of Bob Woodson, author of the book Red, White, and Black; Rescuing American History from Revisionists and Race Hustlers. Last week with spoke with Bob Woodson on Part I of our II part series.

This message is a timely one for us as parents, as well as citizens alike in a culture that tells us that we are a systemic racist society.

Why History Matters

Episode Highlights:

What is the definition of racism?

What is CRT (Critical Race Theory)?

How can we discuss racism productively in today’s culture?

What do I do if my child is being taught CRT?

Is there an alternative curriculum to CRT that promotes facts & representation?

Why is it so important for the truth to be spoken about race?

Image from Canva

Racism in America

There are seemingly simple questions reeling through our teen’s minds. These questions should be obvious and fundamental. Things like “am I a boy?” “am I a girl?” “Does my skin make me inferior?” “Am I a racist and I don’t even realize it?” “Is my country racist?”

This is a confusing time for teens and children. Our kids’ values, worldviews, and brain matter are still being developed. Their security, identity, and emotional and spiritual wellbeing are all being established.

Imagine how frustrating and confusing it is for teens today when basic truths of life are being questioned, especially in a time when mental illness is becoming an epidemic.

Is our country actually becoming more divided before our eyes? Is your child racist? Are you?

Today we look at who, what, and where we are as a people. Is it possible to be a redemptive people living in a redemptive nation?

Discussing Systemic Racism with Bob Woodson

Robert (Bob) Woodson is an American civil rights activist, community development leader, author, and founder and president of the Woodson Center. He is among a collection of prominent and respected black scholars and thinkers that reject the false narrative of history in our society today.

They have come together to correct the record and try to tell the true story of black Americans in all its complexity, diversity of experience, and poignancy. Collectively they paint a picture of black people living the very grand American experience, however bumpy that road may be along the way. But rather than being apart, he sees blacks as woven into this nation and what makes it unique.

Mr. Woodson has curated and edited a collection of essays on this subject in a brand new book entitled, Red, White, and Black: Rescuing American History from Revisionists and Race Hustlers.

In addition to his book, he has dedicated his life to assisting low-income families transcending impoverished conditions. He has written extensively on this topic in his book, “Lessons from the Least of These” and “The Triumphs of Joseph: How today’s community healers are reviving our streets and neighborhoods.”

Red, White & Black

Episode Highlights:

Why is it essential for parents to be educated in civil rights?

What is the 1776 Unites Campaign?

Why do children today seem hopefully?

What is systemic racism?

What critical crisis exists in America today?

Is there a difference between equity and equality?

Image from Canva

Empowering Parents

If you missed Part I of our two-part series with Kimball Lewis, go back now and listen in.

As a parent today, do you feel stuck? Do you feel that your teen is continually rebelling against you and your spouse? Have you reached your wits end?

If you just aren’t sure what to do anymore or how to handle what’s going on in your home then this message is for you. Listen in as we discuss how to regain power in your home and experience healthy parent-teen interactions.

Discussing Practical Parenting with Kimball Lewis

Kimball Lewis is an executive who spent his career using research and technology to improve the lives of individuals and businesses. He began his career as a health, welfare and child policy researcher for a leading public policy think tank in Washington. He then served as a technologist and executive in his series of successful healthcare start-up businesses before joining empoweringparents.com.

Experiencing Change at Home

Episode Highlights:

Do you find yourself arguing with your teen? Do you know why?

Can parents simply “walk away” from an argument?

What is training? Is this a good or bad thing?

Discover the “why trap.”

What power do words hold?

What is self esteem? Is it really good for our kids?

Image from Canva

The Nature of Children

Rebellion is just part of our child’s nature, right? No! If your child is rebellious, sneaky, argumentative, or seems to be lying about just about everything, then this episode of License to Parent is for you.

Wouldn’t it be such a relief to see a total transformation in your child? Image feeling empowered as a parent to see a true and lasting change that positively impacts your entire family. It’s possible.

Today we speak with expert Kimball Lewis on the emerging issues we see in our children today. While some of this information is practical, you’ll be surprised that it feels like a brand new revelation!

Discussing Practical Parenting with Kimball Lewis

Kimball Lewis is an executive who spent his career using research and technology to improve the lives of individuals and businesses. He began his career as a health, welfare, and child policy researcher for a leading public policy think tank in Washington. He then served as a technologist and executive in his series of successful healthcare start-up businesses before joining empoweringparents.com.

He began as the CEO there in 2017 as he continues the work of James Leeman offering practical advice to parents struggling with some of the most challenging child behavior issues. Mr. Lewis resides in Florida with his wife and two teenage sons of his own.

A Total Transformation

Episode Highlights:

Why is authority within the household important?

Is too much structure dangerous to kids?

What is a reasonable rule?

How can we come up with and determine rules for our family?

Do we as parents have responsibility to our society?

How do I help my child when I don’t like them right now?

Image from Canva

Living Out the Faith

Last time on License to Parent we heard from Dave Glander. Dave talked about how people oftentimes confuse condoning and validating with loving someone as Christ. Just because we choose to walk with someone doesn’t mean we are accepting their decisions. “I can love anyone through any circumstance, but that doesn’t mean that I need to show them I’m accepting that.”

Dave explains that he has many people that he ministers to that differ in their faith and lifestyle. “I have gay people that I minister to all the time and they know where I stand and we respect each other.”

Everyone was created in the image of God and we should respect them as human beings and individuals. But that doesn’t mean we need to condone or validate sin. “I can walk with them, hold their hand, pray with them and love them, but at no point am I risking my Christianity to say I'm validating or accepting what you’re doing. There is a big difference.”

Discussing Apologetics with Dave Glander

Dave was a devout atheist prior to experiencing a radical encounter with Jesus Christ and he is now a deeply committed believer both in Christ and in the Bible. Dave has been a pastor for many years. He is the founder of an apologetics youth summer camp called Equip Retreat.

Today we continue our conversation with Dave on equipping our children to defend a biblical worldview with science, history, and the ability to reason. If you missed Part I of this two-part series, be sure to listen to How, Why, and Where With Dave Glander.

The Importance of a Biblical Worldview

Episode Highlights:

What does it mean to have a biblical worldview?

Why is a biblical worldview so critical in today’s culture?

Do miracles actually happen?

Is critical thinking essential?

What is the enemy’s playbook?

Why should children (and adults) be educated on opposing viewpoints?

Image from Canva

Truth is on Your Side

Unfortunately, many churches today are struggling to instill biblical values into our kids. Some may argue that this is the reason that the church is so openly attacked and discriminated against. But what if we were actually describing the marginalization of churchgoers adhering to a biblical worldview?

As parents, it is our God-given assignment to instill into our kids the values of Scripture. We must be intentional about teaching our children how to defend their faith, providing them with the tools that they need in order to understand and support the truth. The good news is that logic, science and history are on our side, and it is possible to construct a cogent argument for what we believe. Easy enough right? Now make sure that as we help our kids grow in truth and knowledge that they also grow as respected witnesses to the character and power of Jesus Christ.

Sound overwhelming? Perhaps it is. But you are not alone. With the power of God, and the help of today’s guest, you will be encouraged to be steadfast in the word of God knowing that truth is on your side.

Discussing How, Why & Where with Dave Glander

Dave was a devout atheist prior to experiencing a radical encounter with Jesus Christ and he is now a deeply committed believer both in Christ and in the Bible. Dave has been a pastor for many years. He is the founder of an apologetics youth summer camp called Equip Retreat.

He’s also the author of Faith Survival Guide and the book we want to talk about today called How, Why, and Where?

Faith & Questions

Episode Highlights:

What are the “Big Questions?”

What does it mean to practice? How can our kids practice their faith at home?

What is the power of personal testimony?

How is being real with our kids more powerful than being perfect?

How can parents discern and teach truth in today’s culture?

What difference can the gospel actually make today?

Image from Canva

Will They Stand?

Without question, as a parent, you would do everything in your power to stop the abuse and prevent any further harm. You would teach your kids warning signs, how to fight back, and how to get as far away from the evils as possible.

When we think of abuse we often think of physical or sexual abuse. But there are many other forms such as emotional and spiritual abuse. But what about secularism? Depravity? Immorality? Apathy? These things are all real, dangerous, and all around us. While moral relativism says it’s ok, Christians who say otherwise are often considered intolerant or hateful.

Unfortunately, as parents today we have let our guard down. Rather than standing strong and teaching our kids the absolute values and biblical principles we know, we’ve let culture slide in. Is it any wonder then that so many kids are losing their faith altogether? We are the closest representation of Christ our kids have. If we don’t stand strong, who will?

Discussing Strengthening the Family with Ken Ham

Ken Ham is the CEO and Founder of Answers in Genesis and the High-tech Creation Center and Museum located in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, and the visionary behind “Ark Encounter” located in Kentucky.

Ken is a biblical apologist and his work addresses such topics as the reliability of the Bible, how compromise over biblical authority undermines society.

He’s the author of a number of books including Already Gone, The Lie Evolution, and Gospel Reset. Most recently he wrote the book Will They Stand, and it addresses today’s topic head-on. Will our children be equipped to stand strong against cultural giants that previous generations never imagined, or will our kids be overcome?

Back to the Beginning

Episode Highlights:

How can we as parents raise children strong in their faith?

What does it look like to stand strong in today’s culture?

What does church attendance tell us about the state of our nation?

Does moral relativism impact the church? How?

What is the authority of the bible? How do we pass this on to our children?

How does Genesis play a role in answering culture related questions today?

Image from Canva

Wrapping Up 2021

As followers of Christ, we do trust in something. We trust in the eternal God who created all things, including us, and has our best interests at heart even more than we do.

In addition to connecting the dots, looking back also reminds us of the many things we have to be thankful for. To me, a thankful heart is what gives me a better ability to look to the future with hope.

If God was faithful to take care of me in the past, He will be faithful in the future as well. As we end the year 2021 at License to Parent we are going to be looking back, looking forward, and connecting some dots in the coming year.

Discussing the Residential Program of SHA with Trace Embry

Trace Embry is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Shepherd’s Hill Academy in Martin, GA. Trace, along with his wife Beth (co-founder) has a heart and a passion for helping hurting teens and their families.

Shepherd's Hill Academy was founded in 1994 in Martin, GA, where it has grown to serve families from virtually every state and across the world.

Along with being an entrepreneur and prominent business owner, Trace served as a Police Officer in their hometown after graduating from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1978. Trace and Beth felt the Lord’s prompting to full-time ministry and attended college at Toccoa Falls College, in Toccoa Falls, GA, and pursued other extensive training to prepare them for working with troubled teens. Trace is also the Host of the License to Parent radio program.

Connecting the Dots

Episode Highlights:

What does a year in the life at Shepherd’s Hill Academy look like?

How would you define the program at SHA?

How is SHA unique from other programs? What does the outdoor aspect entail?

How does SHA deal with consequences?

What is the goal of the unique features and unplugged environment of Shepherd’s Hill Academy?

How does the group dynamic at SHA work?

Image from Canva

A Look Back on the Blessings

This is actually part of a whole series of miracles that included prophecies, a virgin birth, angelic warnings, protection from a wicked ruler set out to kill the newborn king, and so much more. We celebrate this series of miracles each Christmas as we proclaim the birth of Jesus Christ.

Today on License to Parent we want to tell you about some more miracles. In fact, these are miracles that have happened during the past year! The Miracles of Shepherd's Hill.

We hope that by sharing these stories you may be blessed and may also gain a better understanding of what we do here and why we do what we do on License to Parent. You’ll also get a glimpse into what God is doing day in and day out at our year-long residential therapeutic program for teens in crisis; Shepherd’s Hill Academy.

Discussing the Many Blessings Miracles with Trace Embry

Trace Embry is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Shepherd’s Hill Academy in Martin, GA. Trace, along with his wife Beth (co-founder) has a heart and a passion for helping hurting teens and their families.

Shepherd's Hill Academy was founded in 1994 in Martin, GA, where it has grown to serve families from virtually every state and across the world.

Along with being an entrepreneur and prominent business owner, Trace served as a Police Officer in their hometown after graduating from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1978. Trace and Beth felt the Lord’s prompting to full-time ministry and attended college at Toccoa Falls College, in Toccoa Falls, GA, and pursued other extensive training to prepare them for working with troubled teens. Trace is also the Host of the License to Parent radio program.

Inside the Gates of Shepherds Hill Academy

Episode Highlights:

Listen in the real-life examples of a miracle student whose life was transformed at Shepherd’s Hill Academy

How has the future been shaped and lives transformed by a small program in Martin, GA?

What are the prayers of Shepherd’s Hill?

What is the goal of License to Parent?

How does the work of SHA impact the entire family?

How can I get a copy of The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill?

Image from Canva

Entertainment in Today's Culture

First, we were able to teach our kids how to assimilate into the culture. This was due to the cultural norms of the day. These norms tended to line up with a biblical worldview, for the most part, and even unbelievers accepted them.

Those who strayed from the norms still knew the difference between right and wrong. They simply chose to do wrong. Even hardened criminals of the day viewed people of faith as those to be respected and even emulated.

Today, we’ve lost our common understanding of right and wrong. That means that as Christian parents, our culture no longer backs us up. God is now frowned upon, openly mocked, and depending on how you live out your faith can even get you arrested.

Today on License to Parent we look deeper into the entertainment side of our culture. How much has this shift had to do with the entertainment we have today? Could changing our entertainment habits at home allow us to better raise kids who are empowered to influence culture?

Discussing Entertainment in Culture with Adam Holz

Adam Holz oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In reviews as the website director. His official title at Plugged In is the Director of Media at Focus on the Family. Adam and his wife Jennifer have three children of their own, all in their teen years. In their free time, Adam and his family choose entertainment options of playing games, playing musical instruments, swimming, and watching movies.

Entertainment Tips for Christian Families

Episode Highlights:

What is Plugged In? How is it beneficial to families?

How does Plugged In review & offer insight to parents?

How do we know what to embrace in our culture?

Is it ok to have cable/dish/streaming services as a Christian family?

How has entertainment changed over the years? How has streaming impacted this?

How does entertainment take creative liberties to continue to push the envelope?

Image from Canva