More Than Fine

Most of us are working our way through healing from some kind of sexual wounding, whether the harm came through abuse, a former partner's infidelity, our own choices, and/or improper teachings about sexuality that left us feeling ashamed. Dean Inserra discusses how teachings related to the purity culture movement distorted our understanding of God's design for sex, and shares how a fresh look at t...

Depression can be debilitating, especially if left untreated. But how can you know if what you or someone you love is experiencing is in fact depression? Dr. Michelle Bengtson describes the symptoms of depression, as well as the root causes. She details a variety of treatment options, and discusses the link between stress, anxiety, and depression. She also dispells the misconception that depressio...

All of us have some kind of wounding when it comes to the ways we were raised. Whether you had overtly neglectful or abusive parents, or parents who had the best of intentions but still passed on unhealthy habits, the wounds we receive impact us and the way we parent our own kids. Christina Fox shares how the way we were parented distorts our image of God, but how correcting that image can help us...

Often when we are taught about the Fruit of the Spirit, the emphasis is placed us, and how we need to live these things out. But what if we looked at the Fruit of the Spirit as the nature of God Himself? Jessica Thompson shares how examining the Fruit of the Spirit can give us a greater understanding of who God is and how He is moving in our lives. She shares a deeper understanding of God's love a...

When our children are struggling with their emotions, their behaviors can be frustrating, heartbreaking, and even frightening. Knowing how to respond effectively in those instances can be tricky. Cherilyn Orr shares the Stoplight approach to assessing your child's brain state during an emotional episode, and also offers specific responses tailored to meet their needs in these difficult times. She...

You can have imperfect parenting habits and still be an intentional mom. Justin Whitmel Earley shares how the moments of our everyday schedule can be beautiful (and messy) opportunities to help our kids grow spiritually. He discusses that habits are things we are already doing, and how tiny adjustments can have a tremendous impact on the ways we connect with our children. Justin also provides sugg...

Our feelings can often feel so threatening or overwhelming, but learning to deal with them actually opens the door to so much emotional freedom. Jessica Hottle reveals the function of our feelings, and discusses how they invite us to move towards discovering emotional safety and freedom. She discusses how pain from our past keeps us stuck in the present, but shares how to invite God into your emot...

Helping a children recover from the traumatic experiences is difficult, but the situation becomes more complex when you're in the midst of your own healing journey as well. Justin Holcomb discusses the impact trauma has on a child, and how their responses to trauma vary by age. He shares how being aware of the effects of trauma can help us respond to our children's unique needs, and to our own. He...

How do you know if you're ready to date? What does that mean? And what if everything you've tried to "put yourself out there" just hasn't seemed to work? Stephanie May Wilson shares what it means to be ready to date, and how to take small steps toward situations that feel frightening or uncomfortable. She also discusses how a simple mindset shift can improve your online dating experience and how y...

Sometimes children behave in ways that are out-of-control, and it often can feel like nothing seems to work. Kimball Lewis from Empowering Parents discusses the role of accountability and consequences in discipline, and explains why blaming yourself can actually make the situation worse. He shares why kids lie, manipulate, and explode, and how to coach and reconnect with a child who is exhibiting...

Friendships are a part of God's design for our lives, but finding people to do life with isn't always easy. Bailey Hurley discusses what characteristics to look for in friends who are more like family, and how going into friendships with the right expectations can allow everyone involved the room to grow and change over time. She also talks about out to cultivate friendships when you're short on f...

Sometimes it can be hard to answer your kids' questions about God when you're wrestling with questions of your own. Amy Gannett of Tiny Theologians clarifies what discipleship really is, and how our doubts and questions actually can help us better lead our children towards God. She shares how simple routines can create family rhythms of talking about God, and how to go about addressing your kids'...

After losing so much, you may find yourself wondering, "Can life ever be good again?" Lisa Appelo, widow and single mother of 7, has wrestled with this same question. She shares how getting honest with God can lead to an encounter with His goodness, and how we can learn to trust Him again after devastation hits. She also discusses the stresses related to lack of provision, and how to work through...

Parenting alone can be exhausting, and because of that fact, we may find ourselves relying on screens more than we'd like to. Arlene Pellicane discusses the addictive aspects of technology usage and how screens can worsen mental health for everyone in the family. She shares the benefits of reducing screen usage in the home, and how we can use both screentime and screen-free time in ways that promo...

When we are in the midst of distressing situations, it can be difficult to understand who God is and what He is doing in our lives. Even when deliverance comes, we may still find ourselves struggling and suffering, but for entirely different reasons. Jen Wilkin helps us to understand the heart of God in our suffering through a deep dive into the book of Exodus. She points out how Israel's delivera...

In this minisode, Michelle addresses the topic of forgiveness, and how it relates to anger and healing. She also discusses the issue of reconciliation when trust is broken, and how to actually engage in the process of forgiving someone (especially when you don't feel like it). Record a Question you'd like answered on The Christian Single Moms Podcast Purchase PlusONE Parents' new devotional, Safe...

In this minisode, Michelle addresses the question, "Is Abuse Grounds for Divorce?" Record a Question you'd like answered on The Christian Single Moms Podcast Purchase PlusONE Parents' new devotional, Safe Haven: A Devotional for the Abused & Abandoned What's Your Stress Style?  Take the Quiz Join PlusONE Parents on  Facebook  and  Instagram,  and check out the Beloved Collective  private Facebook...

In this minisode, Michelle addresses the question "Does God Hate Divorce?"  Record a Question you'd like answered on The Christian Single Moms Podcast Purchase PlusONE Parents' new devotional, Safe Haven: A Devotional for the Abused & Abandoned What's Your Stress Style?  Take the Quiz Join PlusONE Parents on  Facebook  and  Instagram,  and check out the Beloved Collective  private Facebook group....

Grief can be difficult to step into, but it plays a key role in our ability to move into the future. Dr. John Delony explains what grief is, and why it is crucial in recovering from trauma and loss. He describes common ways we avoid grief, and shares practical steps you can take to safely begin the process. John also explains the concept of "letting go," and how grieving prepares us for the future...

Dating is often awkward, but it's possible to grow through these situations and discover healthy relationships. Eric Demeter shares how discomfort in dating can teach us to develop better communication skills and show us the kind of person who will make a good partner. He describes the stages of dating and how they can help us establish good boundaries and remain emotionally safe. He also discusse...

Narcissistic abuse is rampant in our society and in our churches. However, naming and exposing narcissism can help us to find freedom from abuse we have already suffered in the past, and protect us (and those we love) from abuse in the future. Chuck DeGroat discusses how to understand narcissism as a spectrum, and reveals nine different ways a narcissist may show up in relationships. Chuck also ta...

Throughout our lives, negative labels put on us by other people (and even ourselves) can distort our sense of  identity. Aubrey Sampson shares how "false names" take root, and how God seeks to rename us as we grow in a relationship with Him. She also talks about ways you can discover your namedness in Christ, and how to bring healing to your kids and the people around you in the ways you speak ove...

The disappointment in our loss and suffering can develop within us a fear of joy. We may find ourselves afraid to celebrate because we are anxious that what we have will be taken from us. Nicole Zasowski describes what's underneath our fear of joy, and discusses how protecting ourselves from future disappointment closes our hearts to joy and delight in the present. She shares common barriers to jo...

Just because an abusive relationship has ended does not mean the abuse stops. Tina Swithin from One Mom's Battle shares about post separation abuse and describes how abusers use the legal system as another avenue to obtain power and control. She also gives insight into developing a strategic mindset, and offers suggestions for documenting your case, presenting well, and choosing your battles. Visi...

Trauma leaves us with the sense that we don't belong, and that life is not supposed to be this way. Dr. Dan Allender discusses how trauma is a reflection of evil in this world, and how encountering the kindness of God leads to the redemption of our heartache. He shares how our grief and emotions are an invitation into experiencing God's kindness, and how the Lord's gentleness leads us away from tr...