Parenting Under Pressure: Guarding Your Home and Heart During Crisis (w/ Laine Lawson Craft) - "Best Of" Ep. 63

How do you stand firm as a godly parent when your child’s crisis brings you to your knees?Every parent faces storms—but not every parent is prepared to battle through them. In this powerfully practical “best of” episode, Catherine tackles one of the toughest and most urgent questions every Christian parent will encounter: How do I parent through a crisis with my child—especially when their choices break my heart? Joining Catherine is Laine Lawson Craft, author of The Parent Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal and a veteran mother who persevered through fifteen years of prodigal seasons with her own children. Laine’s faith-filled wisdom and firsthand experience anchor today’s conversation, offering hope and actionable strategies for every parent walking through the valley. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to Stop Enabling Destructive Behaviors:Practical steps for evicting enablement and setting boundaries that promote genuine change. Why Self-Care Is Essential for Parents in Crisis:Discover why caring for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s vital for your endurance. Tools for Battling Shame, Fear, and Judgment:Strategies to guard your mind, take thoughts captive, and focus on God’s promises. Navigating Outside Opinions and Gossip:Insights for responding to unsolicited advice and protecting your heart. Finding Community and Support:The importance of Christian counseling and safe, faith-filled relationships. Praying with Authority Over Your Children:Join Catherine and Lane for a powerful time of intercessory prayer—learn to stand firm spiritually for your child’s future. Why It Matters:Crisis doesn’t have to derail your life or your child’s future—or your hope. Laine’s story and Catherine’s scriptural encouragement reveal that no prodigal is too far gone for God. Your prayers and faith set the stage for miracles—and even battle-scarred parents can discover new strength. Featured Guest:Lain Lawson Craft is a speaker, faith leader, and author specializing in spiritual strategies for parents of prodigals. Her book, The Parent Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal, equips parents with practical tools for restoration and warfare. Notable Quotes: “You can’t be the parent and be the kid’s best friend. That’s where boundaries start.” “When we declare God’s Word...we keep hope alive for our prodigal child.” Resources & Links: The Parent Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal Catherine’s Free Prodigal Bundle for parents (scripture list, resources, podcasts): A Thought to Take Home:Are you fighting for your child with all the weapons God has given you—prayer, boundaries, and the support of a community who understands? How might you step into greater spiritual authority over the storm your family is facing? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Every Christian parent’s worst fear is watching their child walk away from the faith. But what if the journey of the prodigal is not the end, but the battleground where God can write a powerful redemption story? In this poignant and hope-filled episode, Catherine tackles one of the most heart-wrenching topics for families: How to battle—and hope—for prodigal children. Whether your own child has strayed, or you’re supporting a loved one through this trial, this conversation delivers comfort, clarity, and a lifeline of practical guidance. Catherine is joined by special guest Laine Lawson Craft, a bestselling author, speaker, and spiritual warrior for parents of prodigals. Lane’s book, The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal is grounded in her raw, personal experience raising three prodigal teens—each with their own struggles, battles, and miraculous moments of deliverance. Key Insights & Takeaways: You are NOT alone. Both Catherine and Lane share how parents of prodigals often experience deep guilt and stigma. Lane candidly recalls her initial panic and shock, but repeatedly urges, “You are not alone.” Trade panic for strategy. The enemy seeks to devour, but parents are not helpless. Lane and Catherine outline a “battle plan” rooted in prayer, surrender, and practical spiritual authority. Guilt does not belong to you. As Lane puts it, “Blaming ourselves only serves to beat ourselves up a little more over things that are not under our control. The other party participating with our children is Satan. If we need to lay blame, that is where it should go.” The battle is spiritual—and winnable. An eye-opening segment breaks down how parents must recognize the true enemy and begin waging war in the spirit, not in the flesh. The authority of a parent in prayer is unmatched. Catherine and Lane both describe the transformative power of praying the Word over your children and exercising God-given parental authority. Lane’s vivid “paintbrush” imagery (covering her children with the blood of Jesus in prayer) is a practical tool for all parents. Surrender is partnership, not defeat. The hardest step—actually handing our children over to the Lord—is where God’s power steps in. Lane poignantly shares, “When our children are hurting...we must surrender them to God in an altar-like place.” This episode is packed with resources, hope, and hard-won wisdom, reminding every listener that God sees every tear and is always working—often behind the scenes—for redemption. If you’re weary or burdened on the prodigal journey, you’ll leave with renewed strength, proven battle strategies, and the knowledge that your prayers matter. About the Guest:Lane Lawson Craft is a bestselling author, speaker, and the creator of The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal. As a mother who fought—and won—the battle for her three children, Lane’s voice is trusted, authentic, and brimming with hope for families facing the heartbreak of a prodigal season. Resource Highlight:Download Catherine’s free Prodigal Bundle at catherinesegars.com—practical scriptures, articles, and more to help you pray powerfully and strategically over your wandering child.   Don’t forget to tune in for Part Two of this “best of” series, where Catherine and Lane go even deeper into setting boundaries, handling outside judgment, and finding support for your toughest seasons as a Christian parent. SUBSCRIBE, DOWNLOAD your free prodigal resources, and share this episode with someone who needs hope for their prodigal today! EPISODE RESOURCES: Laine’s Website: https://lainelawsoncraft.com/ Catherine’s Prodigal Bundle   PRAYER SERIES: Ep. 13 – 4 Types of Prayer Every Believer Should Know Ep. 14 – How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer Ep. 15 – What Should I Expect When I Battle in Prayer?   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evil Doesn't Knock—It Shatters. Are Your Kids Ready to Stand? Evil doesn’t knock politely—it barrels into our lives, demanding a response. In an era marked by darkness and division, how do we prepare the next generation to stand firm in their faith rather than buckle under pressure? Truth is Targeted In this powerful and timely episode, Catherine tackles one of the toughest challenges facing Christian families today: equipping kids—and ourselves—with the courage and conviction to remain steadfast when evil seems to prevail. The tragic and shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk—celebrated Christian leader, founder of Turning Point USA, and unapologetic voice for truth—becomes both the backdrop and the catalyst for a discussion every Christian parent must hear. Catherine draws from deeply personal reflections and public reactions to Charlie Kirk’s legacy, highlighting the slander, misunderstandings, and outright hostility he faced even as he modeled a rare blend of conviction and compassion. Through clips of Charlie responding to vulnerable students—including those struggling with gender dysphoria or rejected by their own communities—listeners experience firsthand his unwavering grace and commitment to loving those who disagreed with him. “You don’t get assassinated for telling lies. You get assassinated for telling the truth, and people start listening.”   Key Insights & Takeaways 🎯 Truth vs. Slander How culture distorts reality through headlines and labels, and what it truly means to test everything against the Word of God. 💛 Modeling Compassion and Conviction Learning from Charlie Kirk’s public interactions—how to defend biblical truth without losing kindness, and how to refuse easy categories of “us vs. them.” 🛡️ Preparing for the Day of Evil Catherine shares her own prayer journey as a mother, using Ephesians 6 as a roadmap for equipping our children not to avoid evil, but to “stand firm” when testing comes. ✨ God at Work in Darkness Even as the world mocks and vilifies, incredible stories emerge—atheists questioning their unbelief, the bereaved forgiving with Christ-like love, and the gospel shining unmistakably through tragedy. 🌱 Hope and a Call to Action Inspired by Charlie’s own words—_“I want to be remembered for courage, for my faith”_—Catherine exhorts parents to cultivate resilience, spiritual discipline, and a living, breathing relationship with Jesus for their families, not just a cultural Christianity. Notable Moments The viral words of forgiveness from Erica Kirk, Charlie’s widow, whose astonishing grace toward her husband’s killer became a global witness to the gospel: “The answer to hate is not hate… always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.” Catherine adds, “This is the clearest evidence of the gospel I have ever seen in my lifetime.” Reflection for Christian Parents Are you raising children for comfort—or for courage? When evil comes (not if), will your family be ready to stand? Tune in to hear how Christian parents can respond—not with fear, but with faith, hope, and the power of God’s Word. Then, ask yourself: What are you doing today to prepare your kids to stand firm in a world that may one day hate them for loving Jesus? Share your thoughts, prayers, and stories with us, and pass this life-changing episode on to every parent who needs encouragement to stay strong. Resources & Next Steps For more resources—including Catherine’s free Prodigal Bundle and tools to pray scripturally for your children—visit https://catherinesegars.com/. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Christian Parent/Crazy World on your favorite podcast platform. “God gave you your specific kids for a reason. You hold the key to unlocking who God created them to be.” Are you equipping them for a faith that stands firm—no matter the cost?   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

For centuries, the Church wasn’t just a home for faith—it was the lighthouse of creativity and culture. But when did we stop leading the way in beauty, innovation, and art? And what happens when the Church loses its bond with the artist? Catherine dives deep into this critical topic with special guests Isaac and Emily Gay, co-founders of the Parallel Society. With over twenty years of ministry experience pioneering creative communities, building prayer rooms, and raising three children of their own, Isaac and Emily have dedicated their lives to restoring creativity within the Church and equipping the next generation of artists. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: The Great Disconnect: Why did the Church abandon creativity, and how did this create a vacuum that Hollywood and secular culture rushed to fill? Redefining Christian Art: Isaac & Emily challenge the narrow definitions that often limit Christian expression. Drawing from Leo Tolstoy, they ask: What if Christian art isn’t only about displaying explicit symbols, but about work that promotes "an ethic and morality that longs for human flourishing"? Both Sides Matter: Listeners will hear why mending the rift between the Church and artists isn’t just a leadership issue—but requires artists to reexamine the purpose behind their work, moving beyond self-expression to serve a greater, redemptive calling. Restoring Beauty in the Home: Emily shares how families can cultivate creativity over convenience, offering hope-filled encouragement that it starts not on a stage or a gallery wall, but around the dinner table, in moments of Sabbath, and with simple, intentional practices that awaken wonder in children. The Power of Beauty: Catherine passionately reminds us: "We are losing our culture not because we lack truth, but because we’ve lost beauty. In a culture grown deaf to preaching, beauty still whispers. It still sings." Practical Wisdom & Inspiration: Hear how the Gays wrote their own family Sabbath liturgy, and get actionable ideas for fostering beauty, awe, and storytelling within your own home—no matter your artistic skills. Notable Quotes: “Creativity is not optional. It’s our calling.”“Beauty is the language our culture still understands. Are we speaking it?”“There is no formation without repetition. The job of a parent is to create space for the wild things to run.” – Isaac Gay About the Guests:Isaac and Emily Gay are founders of the Parallel Society, a ministry devoted to discipling artists in biblical truth. With two decades of experience engaging some of the most secular areas of the West, they offer invaluable insight on how the Church can once again become a wellspring of culture and innovation.   What if the future of your child’s faith—and the influence of the Church—depends on how we restore this forgotten partnership with creativity and beauty? Tune in for encouragement, theological depth, and practical next steps for every parent who wants to raise a generation that doesn’t just reflect the world, but reclaims it for Christ through the power of art. Connect with Isaac & Emily Gay: isaacandemilygay.com Instagram: Isaac & Emily Connect with Catherine: Instagram Facebook Email at [email protected]   Special Resource for Moms:Looking for more encouragement? Don’t miss Catherine’s free groundbreaking ebook, "Beyond the Lies: Uncovering 5 Myths The Culture Spreads to Mothers." In just 20 minutes, you’ll discover the life-giving truth God speaks over every mom.👉 Download your copy and find more faith-filled resources by subscribing HERE.   How are you fostering a love for beauty and creativity in your home? What’s one small way you can invite your children to co-create with God this week? Share your thoughts with us and join the conversation! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Beauty is not a luxury—it's a vital, transformative force that shapes souls, redeems culture, and unlocks the creative potential God has placed in us all. In this inspiring and intensely practical episode, Catherine welcomes Isaac and Emily Gay to “Christian Parent, Crazy World” for a discussion that is anything but superficial. Together, they tackle the overlooked virtue of beauty in the church and in the home—a topic with power to reach the lost and restore what has been tragically neglected in the Western church. Isaac and Emily Gay share their hearts, talents, and hard-won wisdom from years of artistic leadership, ministry, and motherhood. With backgrounds in theater, worship, and church planting, they know firsthand the struggle of being artists in a culture—and a faith community—that too often sidelines creativity in favor of utilitarian metrics. Their mission? To help the modern church reclaim its historical role as a cultivator of beauty and creativity, both in its worship and its community life. Key topics explored in this episode: The Forgotten Virtue: Catherine and her guests outline how beauty once held a central place in the church, only to be pushed aside by industrial-age utilitarianism, soul-counting, and a focus on productivity at the expense of creativity. Healing the Rift: Catherine dives into the history of how secularism, dualism, and fundamentalist thinking fractured the relationship between church and creative souls. A Biblical Blueprint for Collaboration: Drawing from Exodus and the story of Bezalel and Oholiab—the first individuals filled with the Holy Spirit for the purpose of art—Emily and Isaac urge pastors and church leaders to actively commission and empower artists, forging genuine partnerships for the sake of the Gospel. The Culture-Shaping Power of Art: Isaac shares a provocative example from pop culture—Lil Nas X’s infamous “satanic shoes”—to illustrate how the world hasn’t forgotten art’s power, but the church has. The consequences? Hollywood and secular creatives have filled the cultural void abandoned by faith communities. Personal Stories and Honest Confessions: Catherine, Emily, and Isaac each open up about their individual struggles—feeling misunderstood, pressured to produce, and at times outright rejected by faith communities. Their honesty will resonate with parents, pastors, and anyone grappling with their creative calling. Reimagining Success: The conversation challenges the prevailing idea that only overtly “productive” or evangelical art is worthwhile, calling for a holistic embrace of beauty as a means of forming souls, shaping culture, and expressing the fullness of the Imago Dei. Have you ever wondered why the church has lost its cultural influence to Hollywood? Are you, or your children, gifted in the arts and unsure of how that fits in God’s kingdom? Are you a church leader looking to be a force for good in our culture? Emily and Isaac’s insights will encourage you to see artistic expression as a calling worthy of investment—and essential to the church’s mission in the world. This episode is essential listening for parents, pastors, creatives, and anyone longing to see God redeem our culture through something as simple—and as sacred—as beauty. Don’t miss this heartfelt and hope-filled conversation that just might change the way you see art, faith, parenthood, and the power of beauty to shape the world for good. Guest Bios: Isaac and Emily Gay are artists, worship leaders, and church planters in Buffalo, NY. With backgrounds in acting, worship, and the arts, they’ve helped lead church planting and prayer movements while building creative communities both locally and online. Parents of three boys, they are passionate about the power of beauty, creativity, and play—at home, in the church, and in culture. Episode Resources: Isaac’s Website & Instagram The Parallel Society The Prodigal by Isaac Gay For resources, free guides for parents, and more on nurturing creativity in your kids, visit [email protected]. Stay curious. Stay creative. Let’s raise a new generation of culture-makers—one story, painting, song, or act of love at a time. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Church Once Shaped the World Through Beauty—Can We Help Restore Its Influence Again? For centuries, the Christian faith was the driving force behind breathtaking art, transcendent music, and the very fabric of Western culture. But somewhere along the way, the church lost its influence—and with it, our society became less attuned to the transcendent power of beauty to point hearts to God. How did we get here, and most importantly, how can parents reclaim beauty as a powerful tool for reaching a generation that’s grown deaf to lectures and argument? In this compelling episode, Catherine is joined by multi-talented artist, philosopher, and theologian Isaac Gay—an accomplished musician, singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, and founder of The Parallel Society, a ministry devoted to discipling artists and restoring creativity in the church. Isaac and his wife Emily have spent nearly two decades planting churches, building prayer rooms, and nurturing creative communities in some of the most secular cities in the West—while also raising three boys of their own. Key Insights & Takeaways: Beauty as a Lost Apologetic: Discover why beauty is the most overlooked, and perhaps most powerful, way for Christians to influence culture today. “Beauty just might be our most powerful apologetic,” Catherine declares, underscoring its unique role in capturing hearts in a post-truth society. The Biblical Foundation of Creativity: Learn how the very first thing Scripture tells us about God isn’t that He’s a king, or father—but that He is a Creator, bringing order out of chaos. And why that means that every parent, regardless of natural talent, is called to be creative too. History’s Lessons: Journey from the Renaissance and beyond to see how the church used to set the standard for art, music, and culture. Why did Christians abdicate that position of influence, and how did utilitarian thinking, fundamentalism, and a sacred/secular divide contribute to exile of the arts? The Plight—and Calling—of Christian Artists: Hear Isaac’s own story of exchanging Broadway dreams for full-time ministry, and the tension so many creative Christians face when their gifts seem at odds with church expectations. “You are joining God, the ultimate creator, in the act of the most beautiful piece of art and creativity that has ever been created,” Isaac encourages all parents. Why Lectures Don’t Reach Culture (But Stories Do): The world isn’t tuning into our sermons—they’re going to movies, reading novels, and being shaped by art. Find out why reclaiming creativity in the church isn’t optional, but essential if we want to influence the next generation. Notable Moments: The astonishing significance of the first person in Scripture filled with the Holy Spirit (hint: he was an artist, not a preacher!) Stories from church history, the Renaissance, and the power of artists as “missionaries” to culture. A moving discussion on how even parenting itself is an act of creativity, forming order and beauty from chaos. The church hasn’t just neglected the arts—it’s handed the cultural keys to the world, often settling for copying what’s popular instead of shaping what’s meaningful. What could happen if Christian parents and churches reclaimed beauty—not just in our sanctuaries, but in our homes, our parenting, and our calling? Listen in and consider:How are you nurturing the creative spark God gave your children? In what ways could reclaiming beauty and imagination in your home, church, or community become the bridge to the gospel your world desperately needs? Don’t miss Part 2—where Isaac will be joined by his wife Emily for an even deeper dive into the practical steps of nurturing Christian creativity and restoring the church as a wellspring of beauty and culture. About the Guest: Isaac Gay is a modern-day renaissance man with a background in theatre, music, and ministry. As the founder of The Parallel Society, he equips Christian artists to use their gifts for cultural renewal and gospel advance. His work with his wife Emily has built creative communities and fostered discipleship of artists across the U.S. Episode Resources: Isaac’s Website & Instagram The Parallel Society The Prodigal by Isaac Gay For resources, free guides for parents, and more on nurturing creativity in your kids, visit [email protected]. Stay curious. Stay creative. Let’s raise a new generation of culture-makers—one story, painting, song, or act of love at a time. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Feeling overwhelmed, reactive, or just plain exhausted in your parenting journey? You’re not alone—parenting can be one of the most stressful, emotionally charged roles we ever take on. But what if simple, doable habits could restore peace and patience to your life… starting today? In this “best of” episode, host Catherine sits down with stress coach and mother of four, Elizabeth Andrejewski, to uncover 5 Simple Habits That Will Reduce Stress in Your Parenting. Elizabeth, host of the Emotionally Healthy Legacy podcast, brings firsthand wisdom from her years juggling daily chaos, mom guilt, and that all-too-familiar “mom rage.” Her mission? To equip Christian moms and dads with practical strategies for emotional wellness—rooted in faith and free from unnecessary guilt. Key Habits & Insights from this Episode: Start Your Day With Intention, Not Chaos: Elizabeth shares how waking up just a bit earlier than your kids—using that time for prayer, journaling, and stillness—can radically change your reactions for the entire day. “If I skip more than a day, oh, it’s showing up for me big time…I notice that I’m a lot more agitated and short and snappy with my family,” she says. Journaling as a Lifeline: Processing your emotions on paper (as a prayer to God!) provides a safe, biblical way to release frustration before it spills over onto your loved ones. Catherine points out, “Journaling started a whole new life for me, actually.” Break Up With Your Phone: Overstimulation and distraction from constant notifications contribute massively to stress and impatience. Elizabeth reveals the science-backed benefits of disabling notifications and setting app limits—plus the generational example you set for your children. Say “No” to Over-Scheduling: Creating intentional whitespace in your family’s life isn’t selfish; it’s soul care. Both Catherine and Elizabeth discuss how relentless busyness—fueled by people-pleasing and fear of missing out—steals joy and connection. Ask for (and Accept) Support: God created us for community. Whether it’s a spouse, older child, or an elder in your church, learning to ask for help is not weakness—it’s wise stewardship of your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Peppered with vulnerable anecdotes, humor, and a comforting reminder that even Jesus withdrew for rest and prayer, this conversation is a balm for weary, overloaded parents. You’ll walk away with not just ideas, but actionable changes you can implement immediately—no fancy resources required. As Elizabeth affirms, “Nobody benefits if you’re running empty…no one suffers when you’re restored and present.” Favorite Moments: Elizabeth describing her “little propeller” toddler and how real-life stress pushed her to her vocation. Catherine’s revelation about journaling through loss—and how it birthed a new calling. Practical tech hacks, healthy boundary-setting, and the liberating insight that “feeling the guilt and doing it anyway” is sometimes the most spirit-led, loving path you can take as a parent. Are you ready to replace chaos with calm and lead your family from a place of peace, not pressure? Tune in for perspective, practical tips, and permission to care for yourself as you steward your children’s hearts. Guest bio:Elizabeth Andrejewski is a certified stress coach for Christian moms, mother of four, and host of the Emotionally Healthy Legacy podcast. She is passionate about helping women break unhealthy cycles, lower daily stress, and create lives that reflect God’s peace. Links and Resources: Listen to the Emotionally Healthy Legacy podcast Learn more about this podcast and receive Catherine’s free ebook, Beyond the Lies: Uncovering Five Myths Our Culture Spreads to Mothers God is Good, But This Isn’t published at inCourage Take Heart: 100 Devotions To Seeing God When Life’s Not Okay Ready to experience less stress and more peace in your parenting? Don’t miss this wisdom-packed conversation—it just might be the breakthrough your family needs. What’s one habit you’re willing to change this week to create a more peaceful home? How can making space for your own emotional well-being transform your parenting — and your children’s future? Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review if this episode blessed you! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There isn't a more stressful job in life than raising children to be God-loving, God-fearing, competent, motivated, responsible adults. After all, that is the goal. A large part of that process, we don’t have control over. But there are parts that we do. There are habits we can employ that will reduce stress and promote peace in our parenting.   Catherine’s guest in this episode is Elizabeth Andreyevskiy, a stress coach for Christian moms and host of the Emotionally Healthy Legacy Podcast. A mom of 4 herself, Elizabeth knows the value of emotional wellness in parenting and the impact it has on the whole family. She is passionate about teaching moms how to prioritize their needs guilt free, lower daily stressors, set healthy boundaries and implement healthy habits. Elizabeth teaches moms how to manage mom rage and overcome guilt and shame. She believes that a strong relationship with God and simple mindset shifts can transform moms in their emotional wellness and break destructive patterns.   Elizabeth has 5 simple, practical habits that parents can employ today to de-stress their lives and experience more peace in their parenting, and she shares those life-changing pro tips with the CPCW audience. They are:   1. Get up earlier than your kids to spend time with God. 2. Journal to process your thoughts. 3. Limit your screen time and turn off notifications. 4. Put downtime in your schedule (don’t over schedule). 5. Ask for help.   Sometimes it isn’t the big, shiny new thing that makes the difference in your life. Sometimes it is a simple, practical change, perhaps something that you used to do that you stopped doing, that makes all the difference. Implementing these practical habits will bring peace into your parenting and eliminate stress.   LINKS:   Elizabeth’s website The Emotionally Healthy Legacy Podcast Promised resource: 5 Simple Ways to Calm Down When You Feel Triggered   RESOURCES MENTIONED:   God is Good, But This Isn’t published at inCourage Take Heart: 100 Devotions To Seeing God When Life’s Not Okay Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if your deepest pain was actually planting seeds for the spiritual fruit your family needs most? Every Christian parent walks through seasons of hardship and heartache, moments that feel like a “dark night of the soul.” But why does God allow these painful, confusing valleys? And—more importantly—what is He growing in us through them? In this solo episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine pulls back the curtain on her own current season of struggle: holding down the fort as her husband works in another state, navigating loneliness, and wrestling with God’s timing and plans. But this isn’t just about surviving difficulty—it’s about discovering what God is accomplishing in the midst of it. Catherine reminds listeners that these hard, unchosen seasons are not evidence of God’s absence, but fertile ground for His deepest growth. Key Insights and Takeaways: Gifts vs. Fruit: Catherine draws on a striking analogy from a recent sermon—how, in the Old Testament, priests wore alternating gold bells (gifts) and pomegranates (fruit) on their robes. Just as gifts and fruit were literally woven together, so too must our talents be balanced with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. How is Spiritual Fruit Grown? Unlike our natural gifts, spiritual fruit isn’t something we’re born with or can develop by sheer will—it’s birthed in intimacy with God, often in the hardest and most uncomfortable soil. As Catherine powerfully states, “The fruit of the Spirit is birthed in the opposite soil from what it reflects." The Soil Where Each Fruit of the Spirit Grows: Love is birthed in loss Joy is birthed in mourning Peace is birthed in chaos Patience is birthed in waiting Kindness is birthed in disappointment Goodness is birthed in need and injustice Faithfulness is birthed in betrayal Gentleness is birthed in conflict Self-control is birthed in temptation Pain Has Purpose: Using vivid stories—from her own journey to those of friends facing life-threatening illness or unimaginable grief—Catherine assures parents that God never wastes our dark nights. These seasons prepare us, shaping our character to carry God’s gifts with humility and serving as a foundation for godly parenting in a fallen world. Practical Encouragement: Catherine offers heartfelt encouragement and a moving prayer for listeners enduring their own difficult seasons, reminding every Christian parent that “God is growing something in you that you will need for where He is taking you.” Notable Moment:Catherine shares, “Fruit is birthed in the dark night of the soul… Spiritual fruit grows in the dark, in the painful places, in the moments that push us and stretch us and sometimes crush us—because fruit is birthed in the dark night of the soul.” Don’t miss:This episode’s challenge to examine your own family: Are you nurturing both gifts and fruit in your parenting? Are you modeling for your children what it looks like to trust God through sorrow and uncertainty? Call to Action:How might your current struggles be the very soil God is using to grow love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control in your home? What fruit is He birthing in your family—right now, in the dark? Tune in for a rich, honest conversation that will strengthen you in every season—and don’t forget to subscribe at catherineseagers.com for free resources specially designed for Christian parents. Your dark nights have a purpose—let’s discover it together.Link:Check out this sermon about how fruit grows:"Birth Pains" by Eric Eason Get Your Free Parenting Resources!Are you seeking encouragement and Biblical wisdom as you lead your family? Catherine has created incredible FREE resources just for you—covering topics like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and scriptures for courage, kindness, guidance, and more. These resources are yours when you sign up, along with her weekly newsletter packed with practical insights for Christian parents navigating today’s crazy world.Sign up by emailing [email protected] today! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What happens when the faith we’ve built our lives around collides with the hardest seasons we never saw coming? Is there something deeper God wants to do in our hearts—and in our churches—when comfort drops away and the “dark night of the soul” invades our story? In this provoking and vulnerable episode of Christian Parent Crazy World, host Catherine Segars sits down with accomplished artist, worship leader, and theological scholar Isaac Gay for an unexpected, off-script deep dive into the challenges—and the stunning potential—of the modern charismatic church. Key Takeaways from this Episode: The “Dark Night of the Soul” is Real: Every believer—charismatic or not—must face seasons of doubt, disappointment, and difficulty. Instead of offering quick fixes, God invites us deeper, beyond beginner faith, to real trust and transformation. Strengths of the Charismatic Movement: We cherish and pursue God’s presence, expectant for miracles and supernatural encounters... but sometimes get so focused on the sensational that we neglect depth, discipline, and theology. Where We Fall Short: Charismatic churches can fall into emotionalism, lacking intellectual rigor or robust discipleship. Kids can get stuck in shallow social environments, leaving them spiritually bored, starved, or even driving them away from faith entirely. Learning from Other Traditions: We need BOTH heart and mind—experience AND theology. Ancient disciplines, liturgies, “high church” practices, and regularly engaging with deep thinkers (even ones we disagree with!) can anchor our faith when feelings fade. Raising Faithful Kids Means Planting in Rich Soil: Where (and how) we “plant” our kids spiritually matters—a safe, friendly environment isn’t always a spiritually nourishing one. Sometimes our children (and we, as parents) need deep, hard, stretching soil to really grow. Unity and Humility: All branches of Christianity have blind spots—we need one another! Learning across traditions, holding fast to Scripture, and pursuing Christ above all else is the path to a genuine, lasting faith. The Goal: More than chasing blessings or avoiding pain, mature faith says, “Even if God doesn’t move the way I want, I will still serve Him.” That’s the kind of walk our kids need to see—and the legacy we want to leave. Key Quote: “I want to be a church with theology that can't be dismissed and power that can't be denied.” ~ Isaac Gay Isaac and Catherine’s raw conversation is a must-listen for any parent who wants to raise kids that aren’t just “good churchgoers,” but wholehearted disciples—anchored in truth, resilient in hardship, ready for beauty, and alive to the Holy Spirit. What about you? How is your church—and your home—preparing your children to handle the dark nights of faith? How can you help them embrace both Spirit and truth, head and heart, as they follow Jesus in a confusing world? Don’t miss next week’s solo episode, where Catherine digs into what God is accomplishing in the dark night of the soul. And stay tuned for the conversation Catherine and Isaac were supposed to have (coming soon), where they will dig into how beauty—and restoring creativity—can become one of the strongest apologetics for a new generation. Meet the guest: Isaac Gay is a multifaceted artist working at the intersection of creativity, spirituality, and contemporary thought. As a worship leader, thinker, and writer, Isaac’s heart is one of an iconoclast, while remaining grounded in the enduring principles of orthodox Christianity. He and his wife Emily are the hosts of the Not Crushing It Podcast, and have three children. He holds a Master of Letters from the University of Aberdeen.   Episode Resources: Isaac’s Website, The Parallel Society, Instagram Catherine’s FREE RESOURCES—Prodigal Bundle, Scriptures Lists, Scripture Songs, Ebook Beyond the Lies: Uncovering 5 Myths Our Culture Spreads to Mothers Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.