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 Ronald Reagan campaigned for President of the United States, he said, "I believe this country hungers and thirsts for a spiritual revival." Nothing could be more accurate today. On today's edition of Family Talk, guest speaker Bob Vander Plaats, President of the Iowa-based public policy organization, The Family Leader, urges citizens to engage the Body of Christ and anchor it with prayer. Bob encourages pastors to be boldly biblical and culturally relevant from the pulpit. Only then, as Hebrews 2:1 teaches us, will the church and its people be empowered to stand firm in their knowledge of truth and boldly proclaim it.
America is a wounded nation. On one hand, we've endured a year unlike any other with the pandemic, the ensuing shutdowns, and racial tension. On the other, the skyrocketing rates of fatherlessness, divorce, and anxiety leave us desperate for answers. On today's Family Talk, Dr. Tim Clinton, author of Focus on the Future, gives his prescription for a bold tomorrow. His advice? Your family, faith and voice matter now more than ever. The future is bright, the victories are destined, and great things await the faithful who prepare. Dr. Clinton encourages everyone to practice their faith in public and model Christ-like behavior in and outside the home.
Gospel music pioneer Bill Gaither has been recognized with many accolades, including his induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He has also been awarded over 100 gold and platinum records, plus eight Grammys. However, on today's edition of Family Talk, this former English teacher reveals to Dr. James Dobson that his passion is to teach the next generation some key lessons. He just happens to do it through music and storytelling. His words of wisdom to Dr. Dobson include: be generous; act responsibly; have compassion; make memories; encourage others; and, most of all, love God.
Music. It's an art form and an instrument of expression that has been used throughout the ages to release praise, share deep emotions, and heal the soul. It affects everyone differently but is consistently influential. On today's special program, Dr. James Dobson visits with gospel music legend Bill Gaither about what inspired him to write over 700 worship songs, including "Because He Lives," "The King Is Coming," and "He Touched Me."
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.
Weighing a mere 144 pounds and standing 5 feet, 9 inches, Mark Anderson began his track & field career at the age of 16. Despite the tragic suicide of his father and the physical abuse he endured from his stepfather, he went on to become the U.S. #1 ranked decathlete, and was America's gold-medal hope for the 1984 Summer Olympics. On today's classic edition of Family Talk, Mark shares about his $2,000-a-day cocaine habit, born out of pride and emotional pain, and how Jesus pulled him out of addiction and into a new life in Him.
