Welcome, listeners, to this episode of "Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children," hosted by Laine Lawson Craft and featuring special guest Kathy Cunningham. Episode Title: Mom Guilt or Godly Conviction? How to Know the Difference and Let Grace Lead

Resources & Links

• Laine Lawson Craft's Website & Free Resources: Lainelawsoncraft.com Download the first 10 days of her book Warfare: A Daily Battle Plan to Fight for Your Child for free and access more resources!
• Kathy Cunningham's Website & Courses: kathycunningham.org Use code GRACE10 for 10% off the Uncovered Grace course. Join the Grace Restored membership with code RESTORE10 for 10% off your monthly fee.
• Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL): palgroup.org
• Rate, Subscribe, & Review: If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps more parents find hope and guidance!

About Our Guest: Kathy Cunningham

Kathy Cunningham is a coach, speaker, and the founder of resources dedicated to parents of adult and prodigal children. Drawing from deeply personal experiences and her journey through generational healing, Kathy helps moms and dads replace guilt and shame with faith-driven wisdom. Creator of the "Uncovered Grace" course and the "Grace Restored" membership, Kathy also facilitates PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones) groups in Tampa with her husband—empowering parents with practical tools and heartfelt support.

Key Talking Points

• Conviction vs. Guilt: Learn to recognize the gentle guidance of conviction versus the heavy, paralyzing nature of guilt.
• Silencing the Inner Critic: Faith-based, actionable steps to identify and reframe negative self-talk in motherhood.
• Unhealed Childhood Trauma: How old wounds influence today's parenting and how to break free.
• Identity in Christ: Building a foundation in Christ to shield against guilt and shame.
• Modeling Grace: Teaching children a better path by living out and modeling grace.
• Healing Tools and Resources: Practical spiritual tools, scripture, prayer, support groups, and healing-focused courses.

Time Stamps

• 00:00 – Podcast and episode introduction
• 01:28 – Struggles with mom guilt
• 02:14 – Conviction vs guilt: What's the difference?
• 03:34 – How guilt distorts; the power of conviction to help
• 04:18 – Silencing the inner critic and reframing beliefs
• 06:35 – Conviction examples for mothers
• 07:31 – Childhood trauma's impact on parenting
• 10:45 – Recognizing when to get help
• 10:58 – Identity in Christ and healing from guilt
• 12:41 – Breaking generational patterns and modeling grace
• 14:55 – Real transformation in Kathy's family
• 16:00 – Spiritual tools: scripture, prayer, and support
• 17:36 – Kathy's resources and support community
• 21:22 – Support for parents with addicted children (PAL)
• 22:28 – Final encouragement and next steps

Conclusion

This heartfelt episode with Laine Lawson Craft and Kathy Cunningham is packed with hope, clarity, and real tools for overcoming mom guilt. Through biblical insight, lived stories, and healing resources, discover how to let grace—not guilt—lead the way in your family. Subscribe for more uplifting episodes, and don't forget to check out all the resources shared!

Ready to help more families break free from guilt and find hope? Subscribe and share this episode today!

Welcome back to "Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children"

Join Laine Lawson Craft as she continues with expert guest Kathy Cunningham for an eye-opening episode designed to help parents set healthy, faith-based boundaries with adult children—without guilt or shame. If you're battling with prodigal children, facing manipulation, or just need spiritual guidance, this conversation is for you.

🌟 Resources & Links Mentioned

• Laine's Website & Book: Warfare Parenting First 10 days free! Many other free resources available.
• Kathy Cunningham's Website & Membership Community
• Parents of Addicted Loved Ones Support Group
• Rate & Review: Please subscribe & leave a review to help other parents find support!

👤 Kathy Cunningham – Guest Bio

Kathy Cunningham is a seasoned family coach, author, and facilitator with decades of experience helping parents navigate complex parent-child relationships, especially those involving addiction, manipulation, and emotional struggles. Her spiritually grounded advice empowers parents to set boundaries with compassion and confidence. Kathy is also the facilitator of the nationwide PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones) support group, offering tools, community, and guidance for parents facing crisis situations.

🔑 Key Talking Points

• The spiritual and emotional necessity of boundaries for adult children
• How to handle manipulation and emotional abuse with faith-based strength
• The practical steps for boundary setting without punishment or guilt
• The role of forgiveness and how to approach difficult conversations calmly
• Warning signs that it's time to set new boundaries (resentment, anxiety, burnout)
• Building spiritual resilience and using biblical truth to restore family harmony
• Handling outside criticism and finding supportive community
• Short-term pain for long-term peace: enduring discomfort for lasting healing

⏱️ Detailed Timestamps

• 00:00:01 – Introduction & spiritual mission of the podcast
• 00:02:13 – Tackling emotional manipulation & abusive dynamics
• 00:04:52 – The role of forgiveness, calm confrontation, and reset strategies
• 00:08:00 – Recognizing normal conflict and emotional "red zones"
• 00:09:57 – Responding to repeated boundary testing and preventing burnout
• 00:11:42 – Emotional & spiritual warning signs for setting new boundaries
• 00:12:51 – Examples: Overhelping & grandparent boundary-setting
• 00:14:25 – Faith as an anchor for consistent boundaries (Galatians 6:2-5)
• 00:16:20 – Handling criticism from outsiders and building a support system
• 00:19:07 – Kathy's resources for parents and support group information
• 00:20:47 – Short-term pain for long-term peace: Kathy's boundary wisdom
• 00:22:49 – Conclusion: Boundaries as bridges to healing

🎬 Conclusion

This episode of Warfare Parenting Podcast with Laine Lawson Craft and Kathy Cunningham offers faith-based, actionable strategies for parents struggling to set boundaries with adult children. By staying steady, kind, and spiritually anchored, you can protect your family, restore hope, and break cycles of guilt and manipulation—empowering lasting peace for everyone involved.

Welcome to "Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children"

Join host Laine Lawson Craft and returning guest Kathy Cunningham for this powerful episode: Letting Go Without Losing Them: Parenting Adult Children With Peace + Prayer

Whether you're facing a crisis with prodigal children, struggling to give spiritual guidance, or learning to let go of adult children, this episode is packed with hope-filled, biblical strategies and heartfelt wisdom. Laine and Kathy dive deep into emotional transitions, trust, boundaries, and practical ways to love your adult children without losing connection.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Laine Lawson Craft's website & FREE resources: lainelawsoncraft.com
  • Get the first 10 days of Warfare: A Daily Battle Plan to Fight for Your Child FREE!
• Kathy Cunningham's website & Membership Community: kathyCunningham.org
  • Details on the Grace Restored Membership, Uncovered Grace Course, and support groups.
• Rate & Review the Podcast: Subscribe and review on your favorite platform to help other struggling parents find hope.

Kathy Cunningham

is a renowned Christian author, speaker, and parental strategist, specializing in healing family dynamics and restoring relationships between parents and their adult children. With personal experience navigating her son's 15-year battle with addiction and a heartfelt journey of releasing control to trust in God, Kathy brings wisdom grounded in scripture and real-life application. Founder of Grace Restored Membership, Kathy empowers parents through online courses, workshops, and an active support community, fostering emotional and spiritual growth. Her Uncovered Grace course delves into personal healing, breaking toxic family patterns, and rediscovering faith-based resilience. Kathy is dedicated to offering compassionate counsel, putting prayer and unconditional love at the center of her ministry.

Key Talking Points

• How to discern between supporting and interfering with adult children
• Approaching concerns with humility instead of intrusion
• Trusting God in real time when children's choices conflict with your values
• The power of prayer over fear and control
• Loving from a healthy distance while maintaining connection
• Emotional transition from provider/protector to advisor/encourager
• Setting respectful boundaries (holidays, unsolicited advice, home visits)
• How to rebuild connection after "holding on too tightly"
• Biblical examples of godly parents letting go (Hannah, Mary, prodigal's father, Abraham)
• The importance of parental support groups for healing and hope

Detailed Timestamps (YouTube Format)

00:00:02 – Intro: Warfare Parenting's Mission 00:00:54 – Emotional Transition: Letting Go of Adult Children 00:02:02 – Support vs. Interference Explained 00:03:39 – Gently Addressing Concerns Without Intrusion 00:05:11 – Healthy Ways to Offer Feedback 00:05:36 – Trusting God When You Disagree 00:06:48 – Prayer Over Control & Painful Experiences 00:08:47 – Loving Unconditionally Amid Lifestyle Differences 00:09:43 – Becoming Advisors and Encouragers 00:10:40 – Boundaries That Preserve Peace 00:12:34 – Family Traditions and Holiday Respect 00:14:25 – Rebuilding Connection After Overstepping 00:15:15 – Biblical Examples: Letting Go in Faith 00:17:19 – Laying Children at God's Altar 00:18:39 – Never Losing Hope—Mission of Warfare Parenting 00:19:10 – Kathy's Grace Restored Membership & Resources 00:21:23 – Final Encouragement: Grow, Trust, Join Support Groups 00:22:40 – Outro, Special Resources & Next Episode Preview

Conclusion

This conversation with Laine Lawson Craft and Kathy Cunningham offers a compassionate roadmap for healing, letting go, and staying spiritually anchored while parenting adult children. With honest stories and biblical grounding, you're equipped to find peace, hold on to hope, and rebuild trust. Subscribe, share, and rate to help other families grow in faith as they navigate the hardest seasons of parenting.

🎙️ Welcome to "Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children"!

In this heartfelt episode, host Laine Lawson Craft sits down with author and speaker Edie Melson to explore how grief can transform, not drown, us—and how God's creativity can help heal our hurting souls. If you're a parent or grandparent struggling with loss, a family crisis, or a prodigal child, this conversation is full of faith-driven encouragement and hands-on strategies for healing.

RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:

• Laine Lawson Craft's Website: lainelawsoncraft.com
• Free first 10 days of "Warfare Parenting: A Daily Battle Plan to Fight for Your Child": Download Here
• Edie Melson's Website & Books: ediemelson.com
• Soul Care for Weary Creatives (FREE starter kit): Download Here
• Find Edie on Amazon: Edie Melson on Amazon
• Rate & Review the Podcast: Wherever you listen—Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts!

GUEST BIO: Edie Melson

Edie Melson is an author, blogger, and international speaker passionate about helping others find God's comfort through creativity, especially in seasons of grief and weariness. With a legacy of creative parents (her mother a watercolor artist), Edie brings a fearless approach to healing through words, photography, and hands-on exercises. Her acclaimed "Soul Care" series, including Soul Care When You're Grieving, empowers readers with practical tools for emotional and spiritual restoration. Through workshops, books, and her blog, Edie inspires countless individuals to embrace healing, hope, and creative expression.

KEY TALKING POINTS:

• How creativity can be a catalyst for healing during deep grief
• Edie's personal testimony of losing her daughter-in-law and how God prepared her
• Practical ways to start creative soul care—journaling, photography, walks
• The myth of "stages" of grief being linear
• Why everyone's grief process is uniquely their own
• How to draw closer to God through prayer, journaling, and creative play
• The power and importance of bringing emotions into the light
• Creating connection points with loved ones through creative activities
• Edie's "Soul Care" series—help for weary, grieving, creative, and empty nester souls
• Encouragement that joy does return after grief

DETAILED TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Intro: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents 00:55 - Meet Edie Melson: Author & creativity as healing 02:11 - Edie's backstory & divine timing of grief 04:20 - Losing her daughter-in-law & God's preparation 06:00 - Creativity and grief: Edie's farm walks, finding God in the "frozen" moments 07:49 - Defining creativity and why everyone is creative 10:33 - How to start creative healing in grief: the "one word" exercise 12:22 - Do the stages of grief really happen in order? 14:25 - Grief as a unique, personal journey 15:22 - The lifelong process of grief and healing 18:29 - How journaling leads to healing and creativity 20:53 - Edie's Soul Care books & creative exercises 21:10 - Using prayer for creative connection with God 22:49 - Asking God to reveal new creative gifts in hard seasons 23:45 - Handling hard emotions, letting God into the mess 23:57 - Bible study's role in soul care 25:54 - Where to find and connect with Edie Melson 27:02 - Edie's closing words for those grieving 27:46 - Conclusion: Soul care isn't selfish, it's sacred 28:35 - Laine's final encouragement and free resources

CONCLUSION

This episode reminds us that our deepest grief can become a sacred place of encounter with God, especially when we embrace creativity as healing. Edie Melson's wisdom and practical tips offer hope that joy does indeed return, and caring for your soul isn't selfish—it's part of God's healing plan. Don't forget to check out Laine's resources and Edie's website for more support. You're not alone!

Welcome Listeners!

Dive into a brand new episode of "Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children"—hosted by Laine Lawson Craft with special guest Edie Melson. This episode is titled: "Too Weary to Pray? How Creativity Became My Lifeline to God." Join Laine and Edie as they explore how creative practices like journaling, coloring, and play can offer a sacred avenue for healing when faith seems hard to reach and everyday life leaves you drained.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Laine Lawson Craft's Website & Free Resources: https://lainelawsoncraft.com
• Get the first 10 days of her book "Warfare: A daily battle plan to fight for your child" FREE!
• Access additional free parenting resources.
• Edie Melson's Website, Facebook Group & Books: https://ediemelson.com
• Find all Edie's books, including the Soul Care series, on Amazon.
• Support the Podcast! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help other struggling parents find hope and guidance.

About the Guest: Edie Melson

Edie Melson is a renowned author, speaker, and creative soul with a passion for helping others find spiritual rest and healing through creativity. With a background shaped by an artistic family—her father a musician and photographer, her mother an internationally known watercolorist—Edie learned to blend art with faith early on. She's the creator of the popular Soul Care devotional series, offering practical ways to reconnect with God during times of weariness, grief, or change. Edie is also the mother of a Marine, an experienced caregiver, and leads ongoing workshops and online communities guiding countless individuals toward spiritual renewal.

Key Talking Points

• The reality of soul-weariness in parents facing battles with children
• Edie's journey: Caring for her father, finding God in the margins through small creative acts
• Why soul care is essential, not optional
• Creativity as a God-given trait in everyone—cooking, art, music, moving, even doodling
• Journaling, naming emotions, and the healing process
• How negativity and anxiety can be processed via creative outlets
• Edie's powerful testimony as a Marine mom and how journaling brought comfort and clarity
• The Soul Care book series—topics include weariness, grief, creativity, and empty nesting
• Prayer as an ongoing, relationship-based conversation with God
• Encouragement for listeners: Even in exhaustion, God is present and ready to meet them

Detailed Time Stamps

00:00:01 — Laine introduces Edie and sets the stage for weary listeners 00:02:14 — Edie shares how she turned to creativity during tough caregiving years 00:04:52 — The importance of self-care for weary parents 00:05:20 — Edie's creative upbringing and family background 00:06:33 — Inspiration for the Soul Care book series 00:07:49 — Creative acts break tension and let God's truth in 00:09:28 — Journaling and naming emotions: Essential for healing 00:10:19 — Everyone is inherently creative—ways to discover your unique outlet 00:11:38 — Overview of the Soul Care series 00:12:37 — Journaling through a Marine son's deployment—processing fears 00:16:50 — Turning personal journals into books that serve others 00:17:08 — Edie's journey to a genuine, ongoing prayer life 00:18:49 — Refusing to disconnect from God in weariness 00:19:09 — Soul Care workshops and Facebook group 00:20:26 — Where to find Edie's resources and connect online 00:21:20 — Final encouragement: God meets you in the in-between moments 00:22:29 — Laine's closing: Creativity as a holy path to healing

Conclusion

No matter how weary you are, creativity can be your lifeline to God. From journaling and doodling to embracing any personal form of creativity, Edie Melson gently reminds us: soul care is essential, not optional. Subscribe and share your feedback—your support helps others find hope!

🎙️ Welcome listeners to the latest episode of "Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children"

Ready to reclaim your family's faith in today's turbulent world? You're in the right place! Join Laine Lawson Craft and renowned guest Lauren Green as they explore urgent threats facing Christian parents in 2025—including the erosion of faith in public schools, dangers online, and spiritual strategies to shield today's teens and adult children.

Resources and Links Mentioned

• Laine Lawson Craft's Website & Free Resources
• Download the first 10 days of "Warfare Parenting: A Daily Battle Plan to Fight for Your Child" for free!
• Lauren Green's Books:
• "Light for Today" and "Lighthouse Faith" available on Amazon and Christian booksellers
• Broad Street Publishing and HarperCollins
• Fox News - Lauren Green (for articles and podcast info)
• Rate and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to support fellow parents!

About Lauren Green

Lauren Green is the Chief Religion Correspondent for FOX News, known for her profound insights at the crossroads of faith, culture, and public life. With decades of journalistic experience, Lauren investigates major faith-driven issues shaping society and empowers families to hold fast to biblical values amidst modern chaos. She is also the acclaimed author of "Light for Today" and "Lighthouse Faith," blending journalism and spiritual guidance to inspire hearts nationwide.

Key Talking Points

• The hidden secular agendas in today's public schools and how parents can respond
• The strategic removal of Christian values from education: historical context and current impact
• Practical, biblical steps to reclaim parental authority and spiritual influence at home
• The digital battlefield: protecting children from online threats, bullying, and harmful content
• Why developing Christ-centered values trumps tight control of tech and screens
• Insights into raising the next generation (Generation Beta) in the AI era
• The critical importance of fathers and strong family structures, and the legacy of the sexual revolution
• Honest discussion about countercultural purity, resilience, and passing on faith-driven values
• Developing hope and daily faith habits as armor for the everyday parenting "grind"

Detailed Time Stamps

00:00:01 – Introduction: The spiritual battlefield for modern parents 00:02:12 – Lauren Green on today's top family challenges: schools, values, and media 00:05:50 – Biblical principles: How parenting starts at home 00:06:35 – Navigating bullying, teen mental health, and open conversations 00:09:16 – Digital dangers & spiritual armor for kids in the age of AI and smartphones 00:11:29 – Should kids have phones? Parenting wisdom for tech boundaries 00:14:00 – Raising Gen Beta: AI, biblical discernment, and family practices 00:17:02 – Everyday challenges, fathers' importance, and influence in the home 00:22:32 – Addressing the impact of the sexual revolution & restoring biblical standards 00:25:19 – Teaching value and purity in a countercultural world 00:26:40 – Lauren's final encouragement: Knowing God above all else 00:28:04 – Conclusion, free resources, and closing encouragement

Conclusion

This episode equips parents with faith-driven, practical strategies to withstand the escalating pressures facing families in 2025. Whether you're grappling with public school influences, digital threats, or everyday overwhelm, Laine and Lauren offer hope, biblical wisdom, and decisive steps to safeguard your child's spiritual legacy. Be sure to visit lainelawsoncraft.com for your free resources, to subscribe and rate the podcast, and to equip yourself for victory in today's family battlefield.

Welcome, listeners, to this heartfelt episode, Praying With Joy: Even When Your Adult Child Is Breaking Your Heart, where we dive deep into the journey of parenting, letting go, and rediscovering hope. Join host Laine Lawson Craft on the "Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children", and special guest Mary DeMuth as she offers faith-driven insights, encouragement, and practical strategies for all parents struggling with wayward teens and adult children. Whether you're in the thick of a parenting battle or seeking support for your faith walk, you'll find warmth, wisdom, and real-life tools to reclaim joy and strength in your prayers.

Mentioned Resources & Links:

• Mary DeMuth's website: marydemuth.com
• Free year of prayers for your adult kids: marydemuth.com/LPL (Love Pray Listen)
• Laine Lawson Craft's daily battle plan book & free first 10 days: lanelawsoncraft.com

About Mary DeMuth Mary DeMuth is an acclaimed author, international speaker, and passionate advocate for families in the trenches of parenting challenges. Drawing on her personal journey and biblical wisdom, Mary has authored over forty books, including "Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Kids With Joy." She equips parents to navigate disappointment and guilt, pointing them toward faith-rooted hope, resilient love, and transformative prayer. Mary's compassionate voice and practical insights have encouraged countless families to persevere through heartbreak, embrace community, and find God's joy and strength in every season.

Key Talking Points

• The grief of unmet parenting expectations and its impact
• Moving from guilt and self-blame toward freedom and forgiveness
• The essential framework: Love, Pray, Listen
• How to infuse prayers with genuine joy, even in pain
• Why listening is crucial for healing parent-child relationships
• Shifting from controlling outcomes to trusting God's timing
• Building strength through community and persistent, faith-filled prayer
• Letting go of parenting formulas and embracing dependence on Jesus
• Writing, journaling, and processing as tools for parental growth
• Redefining love—honesty without enabling, boundaries with compassion

Time Stamps

00:00 - Welcome & Episode Introduction 01:02 - Meet Mary DeMuth: Journey & Inspiration behind Love, Pray, Listen 02:09 - Grieving Lost Expectations: Where Joy Begins 05:01 - The Framework: Love, Pray, Listen Explained 06:31 - Loving the "Unlovable" & Conditional Love 07:43 - Facing Parental Guilt & Letting Go of Self-Blame 10:23 - The Power of Holy Curiosity & Listening 12:30 - Fear-Based vs. Joyful Prayer: Biblical Perspective 13:57 - Taking the Long View: Patience in Prayer and Waiting 15:51 - Standing Firm without Compromising Convictions 17:37 - Letting Go: Faith, Expectations, and Returning Children 18:48 - Joy & Heartache: Learning to Let Go and Lean on God 19:56 - Importance of Community for Parents 21:30 - Daily Practices for Hope & Strength 22:35 - How the Book Changed Mary's Parenting & Prayer 24:06 - Lasting Impact: Letting Go of the Idol of Family 25:37 - Where to Find More from Mary DeMuth 26:20 - Mary's Final Encouragements 27:36 - Episode Conclusion & Free Resources

Conclusion

Thank you for joining Laine Lawson Craft and Mary DeMuth in this powerful conversation on finding joy amid parenting heartbreak. Remember: your prayers, infused with hope and grounded in faith, can transform not just your child's journey—but your own. Dive deeper with "Love, Pray, Listen" and the resources linked above to strengthen your spirit, reclaim joy, and never lose hope.

What One Survivor Wants Every Christian Parent to Know About Trauma, Forgiveness, and Healing in Jesus' Name

Welcome to this powerful episode of Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children with host Laine Lawson Craft. In today's conversation, we walk courageously alongside guest author Mary Demuth as she revisits her harrowing journey from childhood sexual abuse to breathtaking healing and unshakeable faith. With compassion and openness, Mary shares the keys every Christian parent needs to break cycles of pain, find hope, and guide families into God's redeeming embrace. Whether you're struggling with your own traumas or seeking biblical wisdom for your children, you'll find light and strategy here for even the darkest moments.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• MaryDeMuth.com – Explore Mary's website for her books, resources, and more.
• Love, Pray, Listen (book page) – Learn more about the book featured in this episode.
• Laine's website: lainelawsoncraft.com
• Book: "Warfare: A Daily Battle Plan to Fight for Your Child" — First 10 days free on Laine's website

About Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth is an international speaker, podcaster, and author of over forty books, whose message of healing, faith, and hope has touched thousands worldwide. As a survivor of severe childhood abuse and neglect, Mary uses her story to encourage those wounded by trauma—helping them move toward redemption through Jesus. Through honest conversations, books, and resources, she equips parents and individuals to address deep wounds, walk the long journey of forgiveness, and find true wholeness in God's grace.

Key Talking Points

• Mary's early experiences of abuse and family instability
• How trauma, secrecy, and shame shaped her self-worth and relationships
• The intersection of faith and healing: coming to Christ as a teenager
• The role of community, prayer, and support in her recovery
• Unique and varied journeys of healing—therapy, prayer, EMDR, brainspotting
• The layered, personal process of forgiveness versus misconceptions
• How parents' healing impacts their children and generational cycles
• Practical signs of child abuse and effective, compassionate response
• Anchoring Scriptures and biblical truths Mary clings to during darkness
• Ongoing journey of healing and encouragement for those still in pain

Time Stamps

00:00 – Introduction by Laine Lawson Craft 01:12 – Mary DeMuth's story of abuse and resilience 03:18 – Family instability, homelessness, early abuse 07:35 – How secrecy and shame broke Mary's self-image 08:54 – Suicidal thoughts and the start of healing 09:46 – Faith as the turning point: meeting Jesus, finding community 11:16 – The role of therapy, support, and prayer in recovery 14:07 – EMDR, brainspotting & unique ways God heals 14:22 – The complexity and layers of forgiveness 16:52 – Challenges and freedom of sharing her testimony publicly 18:19 – Scriptural anchors for healing and hope 19:54 – How Mary's healing impacts her own parenting 22:07 – Warning signs of child abuse; how parents can respond 24:28 – What Mary would tell her younger self 25:47 – Ongoing healing and encouragement for survivors 27:00 – Where to connect with Mary DeMuth and further resources 27:33 – Final encouragements and conclusion

Conclusion

Mary DeMuth's story illuminates the fierce power of faith and the lifelong, deliberate journey toward healing and forgiveness. If you've ever felt too broken or lost in trauma, know there is hope, redemption, and practical help available. Be encouraged—your story isn't over, and God's grace runs deeper still.

Welcome listeners to this heartfelt episode, "When Healing Hurts: A Mom's Journey Through Boundaries, Backlash, and Breakthrough," on Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children. Host Laine Lawson Craft is joined by guest Tammy Kennington for an authentic and faith-filled look at healing after family crisis, setting boundaries, facing setbacks, and discovering hope during the messy "in-between." If you're struggling with a prodigal child or are in a fragile season of healing, this episode offers community, powerful strategies, and reminders that restoration is possible.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Tammy Kennington's Website: www.tammykennington.com
• Connect with Tammy on Substack: tammykennington.substack.com
• Laine Lawson Craft's Website & Book: lainelawsoncraft.com
• Warfare Parenting Small Groups Info: Visit lainelawsoncraft.com
• Warfare Parenting Book (first 10 days free): See website for details

About Tammy Kennington

Tammy Kennington is a passionate advocate, speaker, and writer dedicated to supporting families navigating mental health challenges, trauma, and the journey of healing. As a mother who has faced her own family's crises—including her son's struggle with complex PTSD—Tammy shares openly from her experiences to break stigma and offer hope. She encourages others to anchor their faith in God as they walk through dark seasons and is committed to building supportive communities for parents and caregivers. Learn more or connect with Tammy at tammykennington.com and on Substack.

Key Talking Points

• The vulnerability and emotional turmoil experienced in the aftermath of a crisis with a child
• The surprising length and complexity of the healing process
• Navigating boundaries: creating, enforcing, and managing backlash from your child
• Setting black-and-white consequences to provide clarity for parents and children
• The role of community support, and the challenge of finding nonjudgmental allies
• Building trust with your child again, one small step at a time
• Coping with setbacks and relapses as a normal part of the recovery process
• Staying grounded in faith and scripture through uncertainty and fear
• The reality of parental self-doubt, exhaustion, and secondary trauma
• Encouragement that God is working in the "messy middle," even when breakthroughs seem far off

Detailed Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: The aftermath and the "in-between" season of healing 01:37 – Welcome & guest introduction: Tammy Kennington's story 02:28 – Recap of Tammy's crisis and beginning recovery steps 02:53 – What the first few weeks post-crisis looked like 04:11 – The biggest surprise in the recovery journey 04:48 – Discussion on boundaries and handling backlash 06:21 – Parental self-doubt and relying on community 07:14 – Staying grounded despite emotional upheaval 08:20 – Relapses and setbacks: handling them emotionally and spiritually 10:12 – Helping children reframe setbacks as part of the process 10:41 – The role (and sometimes absence) of community and overcoming stigma 12:10 – Learning to trust your child again 13:34 – Overcoming the lowest points and where strength came from 15:22 – Key scripture for strength: "He will restore the years the locust have eaten" 16:04 – Encouragement for parents in the middle of the struggle 17:07 – Building community: info on Warfare Parenting small groups 17:56 – How to connect with Tammy Kennington 18:14 – Final encouragement: God's faithfulness and your child's testimony 19:41 – Closing: hope in the messy middle and resources for parents 21:00 – Outro and invitation to subscribe

Conclusion

Even when healing feels slow and hope seems fragile, you are not alone. This episode reminds us that God is working, especially in the messy middle. Hold on, seek out supportive community, and remember—your journey and your child's healing are not over yet. Tune in, subscribe, and share to help other parents find hope and strategies for their own battles.

Welcome to "Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children"

Hosted by Laine Lawson Craft with Special Guest Tammy Kennington

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

• Tammy Kennington's Substack — Connect, read Tammy's writing, and request prayer
• Laine Lawson Craft's website — Free resources, "Warfare Parenting" book, and the 10-Day Parent's Battle Plan

👤 Guest Bio: Tammy Kennington

Tammy Kennington is a dedicated mental health and life coach, author, and advocate for families walking through trauma and crisis. Drawing from both her professional expertise and profound personal experience, Tammy uplifts parents struggling with their child's mental health with compassionate, faith-fueled support. After navigating her own son's battle with trauma, depression, and addiction, she now writes and blogs at Substack, offering hope, practical strategies, and prayer. Tammy's story is one of resilience, faith, and the unwavering belief in God's ability to restore and heal even the most shattered families.

🔑 Key Talking Points

• The Crisis Call: Tammy's life-changing midnight phone call about her son contacting the suicide hotline
• Recognizing the Signs: Early indicators of trauma and depression in teens
• Parental Guilt & Faith Struggles: Tammy's battle with self-blame and spiritual anger
• The Science of Trauma: How trauma affects the adolescent brain and behavior
• Immediate Steps: The difficult decision to seek hospital care and subsequent recovery interventions
• Community & Church Support: The power of community and faith in fostering healing
• Practical Boundaries: Implementing a family "contract" for accountability and support
• Caring for the Whole Family: Maintaining marriage, nurturing siblings, and self-care for parents
• Battling Lies with Truth: Overcoming shame and false beliefs through scripture and reframing
• Encouragement for Parents: Hope-filled, faith-driven guidance for moms in crisis

⏱️Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction & Setting the Stage 01:32 - Meet Tammy Kennington 02:00 - The Night Everything Changed: The Crisis Call 03:22 - Hotline Protocol & Support 04:13 - Early Signs of Trauma in Tammy's Son 05:38 - Guilt, Blame, and Faith Under Fire 06:49 - The Impact of Trauma on the Brain 08:30 - Faith Breakdown and Restoration 09:42 - Tough Parenting Decisions & Hospitalization 11:13 - Community and Church Support 12:19 - The Family Contract: Setting Boundaries 14:08 - Caring for Siblings and Marriage 16:08 - Self-care and Counseling for Parents 18:03 - Confronting Lies and Embracing Truth 19:50 - Encouragement for Moms in Crisis 21:57 - How to Find and Connect with Tammy 22:38 - Final Words & Faith for Struggling Parents 23:55 - Resources and Closing

🔚 Conclusion

Tammy Kennington's powerful story is a beacon of hope for families facing their darkest seasons. Whatever heartbreak or battle you're in, remember: you are not alone. With faith, practical tools, and support, healing is possible. Keep praying, keep fighting—God is not done with your story.

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