Over 40 percent of American families today are blended, and shockingly a high number of couples in these blended families will eventually divorce. Ron Deal is the director of FamilyLife Blended and a leading authority on how to wisely step-parent through the ups and downs of nontraditional family structures. Kids who grow up in a broken home have a harder time cultivating healthy, lasting marriages when they grow up, but a stepfamily done well can be a redemptive move in the lives of both parents and children. Stepparenting comes with its own unique set of challenges, but Ron has incredible resources that help couples walk through that journey together and achieve stability and harmony for everyone.

TAKEAWAYS

Blended families are all around us - it’s essential to learn how to connect with them and help them when possible

50 percent of kids today will have a stepparent during their lifetime

A new marriage cannot replace or repair what has been lost

Stepfamilies done right can help with healing and restoration to those who have experienced a lot of grief

Millions of women wake up every day, having once been married, and realize that their marriage, for one reason or another, is over. Tracie Miles is a bestselling author who has a passion for speaking hope and encouragement into the lives of hurting women whose marriages have ended. She shares her personal story of surviving a devastating divorce and how the Lord used that traumatic experience to help her write several books and resources for others who have been deeply wounded by losing their life partner. Tracie coaches aspiring authors who want to tell their stories and talks about overcoming negative self-talk, the importance of community, and how to navigate the grieving process following a divorce.

TAKEAWAYS

People often forget to care for a person who faced divorce - lend a listening ear, bring them a meal, do some child-sitting

We need to let God hold the key to our happiness

Separated couples often go through the same grieving stages as someone who has lost a partner through death

It is integral to have support structures and accountability partners in your life when you are healing after divorce

Scott and Vanessa Martindale are experts at sharing practical resources for couples who are struggling or just need guidance on how to bring their blended families together. Scott is a licensed therapist, and Vanessa is a registered nurse who founded Blended Kingdom Families to help offer redemption and restoration to others on the same journey. Together, they have created incredible resources for other couples looking to strengthen their marriage, effectively co-parent with ex-spouses, and wisely parent their stepchildren. They offer a book, a podcast, and downloadable resources for parents, churches, and pastoral staff looking to shepherd blended families through different or difficult situations.

TAKEAWAYS

Make sure you are prioritizing your marriage properly in the context of a blended family

Many churches need resources for couples who are seeking help in bringing their blended families closer together

The Martindales have over 200 podcast episodes available on their website covering topics that relate to the dynamics of blended families

Build family traditions and give kids a chance to unite and share their opinions and voice their thoughts in this new family environment

“Kids not only need to identify with the heroes of the most powerful Bible stories, but with the people who need Jesus the most,” says Jared Kennedy. Jared is an author of multiple children’s books and an editor at The Gospel Coalition. He illustrates why kids need to immerse themselves in Biblical stories that proclaim the victory of a big God and how doing so will help to make our little ones less anxious. He also wants children to understand that no matter what, God always wins, even if we don’t always win. He encourages youth to put their faith in a God that is bigger than their anxieties. Jared also explains his coaching cohorts that equip leaders for growing their ministry skills within a strong community.

TAKEAWAYS

Praying through planning is a great way to put your trust in the Lord

Prayer is the first answer to anxiety - casting your cares on the One who cares for you

Our confidence is that God will win, even if we don’t experience that victory personally

We want children to identify with the heroes in scripture, but we need to check that this doesn’t put the focus on themselves instead of God

Both big and small decisions of our lives can plague us at times, and Mike Gembola is committed to helping people cut through the complications surrounding worrisome situations. Mike is a minister and counselor who has a special focus on aiding clients in cutting through their anxiety and finding a level of certainty in their lives. Mike explains the God-given blessing of anxiety in its proper place and highlights how too much anxiety can cause problems if gone unanswered. He also offers some simple solutions to combating panic, including grounding exercises and applying the Lord’s wisdom found in scripture.

TAKEAWAYS

Check out Mike’s book, Anxious About Decisions: Finding Freedom in the Peace of God

It is a God-given gift to have constructive anxiety when recognizing danger and knowing how to react when it is present

Four bad strategies that people often resort to when it comes to coping with decision-making are: overchecking, overanalyzing, getting confirmation from too many people, and escaping the situation

The Lord has given each person a voice and decision-making skills coupled with personal responsibility

The spirit of God promises peace, although He does not promise a changed situation. Winfred Neely reminds us that although we may face trials in this life, it is important to not worry about our circumstances, but face the reality of our lives and turn to God for the strength and grace to make it through. Winfred is a minister and professor at Moody Bible Institute, and he is also the author of How to Overcome Worry: Experiencing the Peace of God in Every Situation. Winfred explains several surefire ways to look to the wisdom and strength of the Lord in scripture to soothe an anxious heart. We have to start thinking Biblically and theologically about every area of our lives, he advises.

TAKEAWAYS

Wisdom and peace should be constantly lived out in our day-to-day lives

Although God does not always answer our prayers the way we think He should, He will give us the strength we need to carry on

Philippians 4 is an encouraging chapter of the Bible to read when you’re feeling anxious

If you are worried about something, remember to stop, pray, and expect!

Amanda Porter is well-versed in living at the intersection of faith and mental health, and she is an expert in breaking down the stigmas surrounding mental health treatment for wary Christians. Amanda is a Nurse Practitioner who has a passion for helping people find peace in their lives. She is also the creator of the sought-after online course, Dear Anxiety, Let’s Break Up, as well as two books on the subject of ditching anxiousness and embracing equilibrium. Amanda does not believe that anxiety is a sin and encourages Christians to be unafraid to seek guidance from doctors and mental health professionals if they are struggling.

TAKEAWAYS

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States

Check out Amanda’s book, Untethered: Learn the Art of Exchanging Fear for Soulful, Lasting Peace

Mental health issues are chronic - there’s a big difference between curing and healing

When you put together a treatment plan on the road to recovery, don’t forget to prioritize simple self-care

Emmy-nominated Martha Bolton was Bob Hope's first female staff writer and, along with Linda Hope, wrote the top selling Dear Bob... Bob Hope's Wartime Correspondence with the G.I.s of WW2. In this episode, she shares many of her stories and talks about her latest project, "THE CONFESSION' a stage comedy musical.

What if God asked you to sacrifice your only son? In this episode of Faith On Film, writer/director David Helling shares his story into the making of HIS ONLY SON, the story of Abraham and Isaac.

Jon Michael Simpson is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and actor based in Austin, Texas. In this episode, Jon talks about his full feature documentary "HI,I'M BLAKE" the story of Blake Highland who suffered a traumatic brain injury.