The Connected Mom

Many believers feel torn between loving others and protecting their hearts. We’re taught to include everyone, forgive quickly, and keep our doors open—but Scripture also calls us to wisdom and discernment in who we allow to shape our thinking, emotions, and spiritual direction.

In this conversation, we explore the difference between loving people and trusting them equally—and why healthy boundaries aren’t unloving, but deeply biblical.

Author Becky Harling joins us to unpack what emotionally healthy, Christ-centered friendships look like, how to recognize unsafe relational patterns, and how to heal when relationships wound us. Together, we examine how grounding our identity in Jesus frees us to love generously without becoming drained, resentful, or spiritually pulled off course.

This episode provides clarity on:

• why loving everyone doesn’t mean giving everyone equal access to your heart
• how to identify safe, reciprocal friendships
• warning signs of codependency, control, gossip, and emotional imbalance
• how prayer shapes wise relational decisions
• what loyalty and long-term friendship look like in a Christ-centered life
• how to set boundaries without becoming guarded or cynical
• steps toward healing after relational hurt

Produced by Faith Over Fear and LifeAudio

Resource referenced: Friend-Wise: Practical Ideas for Richer Relationships

In this heartfelt episode of The Connected Mom, host Becky engages in a profound conversation with Ash Ruddy, a mother who shares her incredible journey of faith and resilience after giving birth to a premature baby. They discuss the challenges faced in the NICU, the power of worship in bonding with her child, and the miraculous experiences that shaped their lives. Ash emphasizes the importance of surrendering control to God and recognizing the supernatural in everyday life, offering encouragement to mothers navigating their own difficult journeys.

Ash’s book: Twenty-Four + One: A Mother’s Story of Faith, Love, and Miracles

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, the host discusses the challenges of letting go as a parent, especially when children grow up and pursue their own paths. Featuring Jennifer Dukes Lee, the conversation explores themes of faith, the importance of prayer, and the emotional journey of parenting. Jennifer shares her experiences with her daughters, their educational pursuits, and the role of prayer in navigating the challenges of parenting. The episode emphasizes the significance of trusting God's plan for our children and the power of scripture in providing comfort and guidance.

Jennifer’s book: It's All Under Control:

In this episode of the Connected Mom Podcast, host Becky Harling welcomes actress and author Jen Lilley, who shares her journey of motherhood, faith, and her new devotional, 'Wake Up Your Faith.' Jen discusses the challenges of balancing her acting career with raising four children, the importance of prayer in decision-making, and her personal struggles with an eating disorder. The conversation emphasizes the need for daily encounters with Jesus and the role of faith in navigating life's challenges. In this conversation, Jen Lilley shares her personal journey of overcoming bulimia and the importance of trusting God in the healing process. She discusses the role of counseling, the balance between boldness and gentleness in faith, and the significance of living out love in daily life. Jen emphasizes the need for holistic approaches to health and the importance of support systems for those struggling with eating disorders. She encourages listeners to focus on Jesus as the standard for love and boldness in their lives.

Jen’s book: Wake Up Your Faith

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, the host discusses the intersection of youth sports and Christian values with guests Brian Smith and Ed Usyznski. They explore the challenges parents face in navigating sports culture, the importance of mentorship, and how to disciple children through sports. The conversation emphasizes the need for balance in expectations, financial investments, and the emotional well-being of young athletes. The guests share personal stories and insights on fostering a healthy sports environment that aligns with Christian teachings.

Book: Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports

Social Media: 

Website: www.thechristianathlete.com

Twitter: @BrianSmithAIA

Instagram: @brianlinsey

Social Media: 

Website: www.untanglingcrt.com

Twitter: @uszynski32

Facebook: @ed.uszynski.3

In this episode of the Connected Mom Podcast, host Becky Harling engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Kathy Koch about the challenges mothers face in maintaining relationships with their adult children. They discuss the transition from parenting to relating, the importance of connection over correction, and the role of apologies in healing relationships. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the need for parents to grieve the loss of expectations and to focus on building connections despite disagreements over faith and values. The episode concludes with practical advice for parents navigating these complex dynamics.

Dr Kathy's Book: Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, Becky Harling discusses the promise of peace for mothers, emphasizing the importance of finding inner calm amidst the chaos of motherhood. She shares practical steps for achieving peace, including taking inventory of worries, pouring out one's heart to God, and shifting focus from panic to praise. The conversation highlights the spiritual and emotional challenges mothers face and offers encouragement through biblical promises.

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, Becky Harling discusses the promise of strength that God offers to mothers. She emphasizes the importance of spiritual strength, especially in the face of anxiety and exhaustion that many moms experience. Becky shares practical steps for accessing this strength, including decluttering one's soul, connecting with God and others, and unleashing the power of praise. Through these practices, moms can find renewal and encouragement in their journey of motherhood.

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, Becky Harling discusses the promise of wisdom for mothers, drawing from Isaiah 40:11. She emphasizes God's gentle guidance throughout the various stages of motherhood, reassuring moms that they are seen and cared for by God. The conversation highlights the importance of seeking divine wisdom in parenting and offers practical steps for mothers to find rest and grace in their journey.

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky Harling and guest Jill Lillard explore the concept of attunement in relationships, particularly in marriage and parenting. They discuss the importance of emotional attunement, which involves being grounded in oneself while being present for others. The conversation covers practical steps for improving attunement, such as creating space for deeper conversations, being aware of emotional dynamics, and the significance of listening. Jill shares insights on navigating the emotional challenges of parenting teenagers and emphasizes the need for self-connection to foster better relationships with others.