Did you know that 40% of parents raising children under the age of 18 are members of stepfamilies? Some might even say the non-traditional family is the new traditional family. On today's edition of Family Talk, Ron Deal, author of Preparing to Blend: The Couple's Guide to Becoming A Smart Stepfamily, contends that combining families does not have to be like oil and water. He encourages parents to be empathetic with their step kids.
When a military veteran grapples with post-traumatic stress disorder, we empathize. But do we feel the same for the person who endures PTSD as a result of domestic violence or physical abuse? On today's Family Talk, Dr. Shannae (SHAWN-ay) Anderson explains that, similar to Joseph, whom we learned from Scripture was thrown into a pit and sold into slavery, our past experiences shape who we are. Dr. Anderson encourages listeners that what Satan means for evil, God can redeem for your good. Through Christian counseling, the Lord can heal your emotional trauma.
Tragically, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noted increase in domestic violence in the U.S. On today's edition of Family Talk, Dr. Tim Clinton and clinical psychologist, Dr. Shannae (SHAWN-ay) Anderson reveal that the ongoing isolation has compounded spousal abuse. In order to survive, victims often experience dissociation, in which the mind essentially separates from the body. The helplessness and powerlessness that the victim feels at the hands of their abuser is often unspeakable terror. Dr. Anderson reveals the means necessary for a survivor to regain their voice and feel safe again.
Perhaps you yourself, or someone you know are one of the 40 million Americans who regularly visit Internet porn sites. On today's edition of Family Talk, Jim Cress, a certified sex addiction therapist, explains to Dr. Tim Clinton that while viewing porn, you're short circuiting the God-designed pleasurable reactions in your body that were intended to bond you to your spouse. Instead, you're bonding to an illusion. But, there is hope! Galatians 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." By confessing your sin and through much prayer, you can be rid of this addiction. In some situations, professional counseling is required and is ministered with successful results. People can and do get their lives back and are freed of the sinful shackles that bind!
Did you know that 68% of church-going men view porn on a regular basis and that more than half of American divorces involve a spouse's use of pornography? On today's edition of Family Talk, Jim Cress, a certified sex addiction therapist, explains that porn is crack cocaine to the soul. When people are bored or stressed, they self-medicate with pornography and its instant rush of pleasure, but often feel shame afterwards. In 2 Corinthians 10:4, the Apostle Paul urges us to demolish strongholds through divine power. That includes the stronghold of porn.
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Suicide is always a permanent solution to a temporary problem. As teens try to navigate their way through the emotional struggles that often come with adolescence, the option of ending it all might seem attractive. On today's Family Talk, Dr. Tim Clinton and Jennifer Cisney-Ellers, a professional counselor and crisis response trainer, urge moms and dads to listen attentively to their children. Parents, don't hesitate to ask, "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" Contrary to the old wives' tale that discussing suicide triggers the act, talking about it actually saves lives.
Between mask mandates and social distancing, the CDC claims the COVID pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in adolescent suicide attempts. On today's edition of Family Talk, Dr. Tim Clinton and Jennifer Cisney-Ellers, a professional counselor and crisis response trainer, explain that due to the pandemic, many youths experienced tremendous loss of experiences and opportunities they will never get back. Dr. Clinton and Cisney-Ellers urge Christian parents to be attuned to their teens' mental and emotional well-being, and watch out for emotional disconnect. If needed, parents can also consider strategies such as home education and limited use of smartphones and social media.
Did you know that, according to the American Psychological Association, 25% of Americans experienced an anxiety disorder over the past year? On today's edition of Family Talk, Dr. Tim Clinton and Dr. Gregory Jantz, author of The Anxiety Reset, analyze the avenues of anxiety and its treatment. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." Dr. Jantz poses the question, "What do I need to do today to build that sound mind?"
In December 2020, Shaunti Feldhahn was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. Having just written a 60-day devotional entitled Find Joy, she learned the importance of personally practicing gratitude. On today's Family Talk, Shaunti explains when she was gripped by raw fear over yet another biopsy, she thanked God for the advance of medicine. She was also genuinely grateful for and energized by the presence of her friends who reached out. Shaunti's trial affirmed God's goodness and faithfulness in her life.
