Christian Parent, Crazy World

What if the world measured motherhood, not by perfection or public acclaim, but by quiet courage, surrender, and faith? In this heartfelt Mother’s Day episode of Christian Parent Crazy World, Catherine invites celebrated author and mentor Rhonda Stoppe to lift the veil on the real stories of the moms of the Bible—fearless, flawed, faithful, and sometimes forgotten women whose lives still shape generations. Drawing from her acclaimed new book, Moms of the Bible: Life Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, and Faithful, Rhonda Stoppe brings wisdom honed by decades of ministry, parenting, and podcasting (Old Ladies Know Stuff). Together, Catherine and Rhonda Stoppe explore what it means to mother in a world obsessed with perfection, reminding listeners that God’s view of motherhood is radically different—and infinitely more freeing. What You’ll Discover in This Episode God Sees and Honors Moms—Even When No One Else DoesScripture overflows with stories of mothers just like you—women who wrestled, wept, waited, and worshiped as God unfolded His plans in unexpected ways. While culture often dismisses the daily work of mothering as mundane or menial, Catherine and Rhonda Stoppe reveal how the Bible places immense value on those unseen acts of love and faithfulness. From Mary’s Brave Surrender to Rebecca’s Mistakes Hear how Mary, the mother of Jesus, chose courageous “yes” in the face of misunderstanding and rejection, modeling trust in God’s unseen plans. Explore Rebecca’s story—a tale of good intentions gone awry as she tries to “help” God’s promises along, unleashing sibling rivalry and a generational legacy. Learn that God works through flawed, real women, not perfect ones, and that repentance and humility write a new story for us and our children. The Power and Danger of Partiality Rhonda Stoppe uncovers the lasting damage of favoritism in families, drawing from biblical narratives and honest reflections on her own upbringing. Listeners are encouraged to honestly assess their parenting, seek God’s agape love, and pursue forgiveness and restoration when favoritism has taken root. When You Feel like the Mom with No Name Sometimes, a mother’s extraordinary impact is never recognized by the world—or even, at times, by her own children. The story of David’s unnamed mother powerfully affirms the kingdom value of unseen, faithful work. “The influence of unnamed mothers has shaped nations, inspired leaders, nurtured artists and motivated ordinary children to accomplish extraordinary achievements.” – Rhonda Stoppe Real Talk: Healing from Deep Wounds In a moving post-interview segment, Rhonda Stoppe addresses the pain of those raised by abusive mothers through the biblical story of Herodias and her daughter, offering hope, the necessity of Christ-centered forgiveness, and the invitation to seek healing through biblical counseling. Why This Matters In a culture that honors mothers with a day, but often disenfranchises the work of motherhood, this episode re-centers the sacredness, complexity, and generational reach of a mother’s influence. Catherine and Rhonda Stoppe invite you to see your mothering through the eyes of God—full of purpose, dignity, and hope. About the Guest Rhonda Stoppe is a bestselling author, speaker, mom of four, and grandmother of fifteen. Known for her practical wisdom and biblical insight, Rhonda is host of the Old Ladies Know Stuff podcast and beloved mentor to moms and grandmothers across the nation. Her books, including Moms Raising Sons to Be Men and Real Life Romance, equip Christian families for generational impact. Reflect & Respond Which mom’s story resonated most with you—fearless Mary, flawed Rebecca, faithful Hannah, or a nameless mother who faithfully packed lunches and taught quietly in her home? What might change in your parenting if you saw yourself as called and seen by God, not defined by comparison or invisibility? Notable takeaway: “God doesn’t need perfection. He’s just looking for surrender. He works through the ordinary, the overlooked, and, yes, even the messy moments of motherhood to accomplish His extraordinary plans.” — Catherine   Call to Action:This week, seek out a godly mentor—or encourage another mom who might feel forgotten. Your story matters. Your daily yes to God matters. How will you step boldly into your unique season of motherhood, trusting that God shapes generations through faithful, ordinary women? Listen now and be refreshed—motherhood, in all its mess and glory, is sacred work in the hands of God. Episode Resources Rhonda’s Website & Resources:noregretswoman.com (Free first chapter, video curriculum, articles, and more) Moms of the Bible: Life Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, and FaithfulOn Amazon Rhonda’s Podcast:Old Ladies Know Stuff Podcast Rhonda’s YouTube Channel:Rhonda Stoppe, No Regrets Woman Connect with Catherine & Free Parenting Resources:Free faith-filled resources for parents, including prodigal bundles, scripture lists, and more at catherinesegars.com Biblical Counseling Directory:Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“You can be anything you want to be!” It’s the mantra of our age—a message pumped into children by movies, books, and even well-meaning parents. But is it true? Is it biblical? Or is there a deeper, more fulfilling truth that Christian parents should pursue with their kids? In this weighty and relatable episode, Catherine unpacks the ever-present cultural myth that our kids can become whoever—or whatever—they dream, simply with enough hard work and imagination. Drawing from a heartfelt conversation with a devoted fellow parent at the ballfield, Catherine dives into the pressures parents feel to support every whim and wish, regardless of reality, gifting, or God’s design. What Listeners Will Discover The distinction between cultural slogans and biblical truth—and why not every dream is planted by God. How the “follow your heart” advice is more Hallmark than Holy Scripture (04:43), and what happens when Christian parents simply echo the world’s encouragements. The story of Catherine’s baseball-loving young son, who declared, “God made me to play baseball,” and how it led Catherine to wrestle with what she should tell a child with a passionate, even possibly divinely inspired longing (06:57). A thoughtful review of the Christian film The Hill, which draws on the motif of David and Goliath but falls into the “prosperity gospel” trap, promising that faith alone guarantees earthly success (14:00). The real-life epilogue is more sobering—and more biblically honest. What it actually means to “do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (18:48), as Catherine carefully walks parents through the context of Philippians 4 and the secret of contentment, regardless of whether dreams come true. A practical, grace-filled response any Christian parent can use when their child dreams big—pointing them toward pursuing God’s purpose above personal ambition (22:49). Notable Moments “When my fourth child sat on my lap at the ripe age of six and told me he wants to be a Major League baseball player, he actually said, ‘Mom, God made me to play baseball.’ … I do know this: You can be whoever God created you to be, and whoever that is is amazing and awesome and it’s going to fulfill you more than anything else in life.” (23:28) As a powerful takeaway, Catherine urges parents to help their kids seek to become who God designed them to be—not just anyone or anything the world applauds—reminding listeners that “God’s plan is the best plan,” even when it diverges from childhood dreams or cultural scripts. Reflect & Respond How can you encourage your children to dream boldly, while also helping them discover and pursue God’s unique calling for their lives? What steps can you take to align your parenting with God’s larger story, even when it means letting go of your own or your child’s expectations? Tune in for real-life wisdom, biblical encouragement, and practical steps to parent with hope, faith, and purpose in a world full of crazy (and not always truthful) messages. Episode Links The Hill (2023) Rudy (1993) The Rookie (2002) Philippians 4 – Bible Gateway Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What story is shaping your child’s life? In a world swirling with competing narratives and cultural confusion, it’s more crucial than ever for Christian parents to help kids understand that they are living inside of God’s bigger story. In this powerful episode, Catherine sits down with seasoned ministry leaders and authors Randy and Rozanne Frazee, co-authors of Encountering God's Love from Genesis to Revelation. With over four decades of marriage, four children, and five grandchildren, the Frazees know first-hand the joys and the heartaches of parenting—and what grounds a family’s faith through it all. Many of us grew up knowing fragmented Bible stories—Noah and the ark, David and Goliath—but not the overarching story that ties it all together. When our faith is reduced to a list of rules or isolated lessons, it’s fragile. Our children are left vulnerable to doubt, anxiety, and cultural currents when the storms of life hit. The Frazees invite listeners to see Scripture as a unified, breathtaking narrative: a love story of creation, fall, rescue, and redemption. Drawing from decades of pastoral experience, Randy shares why it’s vital for families to understand that the Bible isn’t just a rule book—it’s the true story of reality, and your family has a part to play: “If you’re going to be in church for even a year, you should be able to stand up and talk from Genesis all the way to Revelation—not in great detail, but enough to see that it’s one story,” Randy observes. Listeners learn: The difference between just knowing Bible stories and knowing the Story—and why the latter is critical for resilient faith. How connecting the dots of God’s upper (divine) and our lower (day-to-day) stories helps kids find meaning, hope, and identity—even in messy, confusing seasons. Why communal Bible engagement (as a family or church) is transformational, not just individually but across generations. Practical ways to bring faith conversations into everyday family moments, including how mealtimes can become opportunities to discuss God’s story. How to maintain relationship, speak the truth in love, and remain hopeful when walking through prodigal seasons with your children. Why parents can be liberated by trusting God for the results, recognizing that only He causes the growth—even when we’ve been faithful but don’t see immediate fruit. Catherine and her guests get real, sharing personal stories of loss, pain, prodigal children, and disappointment—and how reframing these moments in light of God’s bigger plan brings powerful hope, healing, and perspective. Rozanne movingly recounts her own prayers for a wandering child and what it means to wait, hope, and never cut off relationship as God writes new chapters. “We have to understand—we’re not inviting God into our story. He’s inviting us into His." ~Catherine If you’ve ever struggled with the pain of unanswered prayers or wondered how to talk to your kids when life doesn’t make sense, this episode will encourage and equip you to anchor your family in the only story that matters. Are you helping your kids see themselves as main characters in God’s unfolding story—or as authors of a tale they're left to figure out on their own? This episode will inspire you to set your family’s narrative inside the greatest love story ever told. Don’t miss this conversation—and consider: how can you help your children see beyond the “lower story” moments of today to the “upper story” that God is writing through their lives? About the Guests: Randy and Rozanne FrazeeRandy Frazee is Pastor Emeritus of Westside Family Church, author of The Story, and visionary leader whose work has revitalized churches nationwide; Rozanne Frazee is a writer and compassionate speaker passionate about biblical literacy in families. Together, their newest work, Encountering God’s Love: From Genesis to Revelation, is equipping families to rediscover how the Bible fits together and how every child (and parent!) can find their place in God’s unfolding story. EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Encountering God’s Love: From Genesis to Revelation (recommended for families, church groups, and homeschoolers) Randy Frazee's website: randyfrazee.com The Story Bible engagement campaign The Jesus Storybook Bible (for young children) Catherine's Free Resources for Parents Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The everyday choices parents make may matter more than anything else—especially in shaping a child’s faith and future. It’s not the grand gestures, but the consistent, authentic moments—shared meals, honest conversations, and humble apologies—that lay the foundation for a lasting legacy. In a culture that often undermines Christian values, the daily witness of a parent’s genuine faith speaks louder than any church service or lesson. These ordinary routines are where children see faith lived out, and where their beliefs and character take root In this episode, host Catherine sits down with renowned guests Randy and Rozanne Frazee, a couple married for forty-four years, with four grown children and a legacy of lived faith. Randy, pastor emeritus of Westside Family Church and acclaimed author, together with Rozanne, who brings a warm, grounded wisdom and coauthored their bestselling book Real Simplicity, share personal stories and practical insights into the significance of authentic, everyday Christian parenting. Key Insights & Takeaways More Than a Label: Discover the striking difference between nominal ("Christian in name only") families and homes where faith is consistently lived out, imperfectly but authentically. Sacred Tables: Learn how the dinner table becomes more than a refueling stop—it’s a sacred gathering, mirroring biblical feasts and communion, where something dies so the family can live. Modeling Vulnerability: Hear how parents who own their mistakes, invite tough questions, and provide space for doubts create a safe place for kids to wrestle with and own their faith. Science & Scripture: Unpack the neuroscience and statistics behind family meals: a Columbia University study reveals that five shared dinners a week dramatically reduce risks of substance abuse and other pitfalls. Practical Strategies for Every Family: Get ideas for starting small—one intentional meal a week, using technology (like family video calls), and simplifying meal planning with tools and teamwork. Anecdotes that Inspire: Listen to Randy’s transformation as a 14-year-old in a warm Christian home, and Rozanne’s moving story of a college guest brought to tears just by being asked to share her day. Notable Moments & Quotes "Messages come and go. But relationships—parents who live their faith authentically day in and day out—shape a child’s life forever."– Catherine Segars  “It is not about perfection; it’s about authenticity. The table is not just a place to eat—it’s the place to truly live and pass on the faith.”– Randy Frazee Meet the guests: Randy Frazee is pastor emeritus of Westside Family Church in Kansas City, the author of numerous influential books including The Story, Believe, and The Joy Challenge. He is recognized nationally for his teachings on the intersection of faith and daily life. Rozanne Frazee is a coauthor (with Randy) of Real Simplicity and a sought-after speaker on family, faith, and authentic living. Her warm insights on building strong, honest relationships have encouraged Christians for decades. Married for over forty years, the Frazees have four grown children, several grandchildren, and a passion for strengthening families by making faith a lived reality. Episode Resources Randy and Rozanne Frazee’s Website & Writings Encountering God's Love from Genesis to Revalation Real Simplicity: Making Room for Life – the Frazees’ book on creating family rhythms that matter Encountering God’s Love from Genesis to Revelation – their newest release, discussed in the next episode Catherine's Free Resources for parents Think On This Are you making space in your home for authentic faith to be lived out? What one simple shift could you make this week to draw your family closer—to each other and to God? Tune in for inspiration, practical wisdom, and a renewed vision for parenting God’s way. Don’t miss the next episode, where Randy and Rozanne unveil the heart behind their new book, Encountering God's Love from Genesis to Revelation. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How Do We Prepare Our Kids’ Faith for Secular College? Start Here. Few things strike fear in the heart of Christian parents like sending a child to a secular university and wondering, “Will their faith survive?” Recent research shows nearly two-thirds of young adults raised in the church disengage from faith or Christian community after leaving home—a heartbreaking statistic for families who have labored in love and prayer for nearly two decades. In this episode, Catherine sits down with Dr. Steven Hall, a respected professor at Lee University with decades of experience in pastoral ministry, counseling, and spiritual formation. Dr. Hall brings not only academic insight but a father’s hard-won wisdom—his own daughter lost her faith at a secular arts high school, plunging his family into a prodigal journey that every Christian parent fears. Key Insights and Takeaways: It Can Happen to Any Family: Dr. Hall shares with powerful honesty how, despite prayerful and intentional parenting—including homeschooling and Christian education—his daughter’s faith was overturned in just two weeks at a new school. “We put her in the school, and two weeks later, they stole her,” he recalls, highlighting how the environment and sense of belonging can reshape beliefs almost overnight. The Power of Allies: Both Dr. Hall and Catherine underscore the vital importance of allies: teachers, mentors, counselors, and Christian communities who support and reinforce the faith and values parents instill. “You need an ally in your parenting. Pray for those allies…steward those relationships well,” Dr. Hall urges. Formation Over Information: As children grow, the need to belong and to form identity intensifies—especially in the teen and college years. Dr. Hall explains, “If you have an environment where your child believes they can belong and retain their faith, you are preparing good ‘soul soil’ for lasting fruit.” Consistent Adequacy—Not Perfection: Parents often carry guilt over prodigal seasons, but Dr. Hall and Catherine offer hope: even God, the perfect parent, had children who chose rebellion. “You don’t have to be exceptional—just consistently adequate,” Dr. Hall reassures, stressing faithfulness over perfection. Practical Soul-Forming Rhythms: Sabbath, prayer, fasting, and engaging in faith routines as a family are crucial. “We’re not just training for faith, we’re shaping a way of life,” says Dr. Hall. There Is Good News: Encouraging research from Barna now shows a rise in personal commitment to Jesus and Bible reading among Gen Z and Millennials. The hunger for authentic, lived faith is growing—and parents can help nurture that by living and modeling genuine discipleship. Anecdotes & Notable Quotes: “If you want to protect your child from the negative influences of the world, when they're about seven, put them in a barrel and feed them through the knothole. At fourteen, plug the knothole. There's no foolproof method!”—Dr. Hall (quoting Mark Twain) “God is not looking for extraordinary, perfect parents. He’s looking for consistency. Trust the creature to the Creator.” About the Guest:Dr. Steven Hall is Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Lee University, with a doctorate in Spiritual Formation and decades serving as a Church of God minister, clinical pastoral counselor, and founder of Ministry Oasis—a resource dedicated to the soul health of ministry families. Are you praying for allies to join you in shepherding your child’s soul? Who are the people and communities partnering with you for the spiritual health of your family? Share your journey, struggles, and wins—and remember: you don’t have to do this alone. Tune in and find the encouragement, practical wisdom, and hope that God is still writing your child’s story. Episode Links & Resources Ministry OasisDr. Steven Hall’s website offers free resources for soul health, spiritual disciplines, Sabbath practices, and more—especially helpful for pastors and their families, but practical for all parents.Visit Ministry Oasis Barna Research – Youth Exodus & Spiritual Renewal New Research: Belief in Jesus Is on the Rise, and It’s Fueled by Younger Adults (Apr 2024) Millennials and Gen Z Drive a Bible Reading Comeback (Nov 2023) Gen Z, Millennials, and the Changing State of Faith in America Soul Health Planning, Sabbath & Family Rhythms Soul Health Plan PDF, Sabbath Practice Guides, Video Library Dr. Hall’s sermon series and practical tips for sabbathing with young children Scripture Prayers & Prodigal BundleCatherine’s free resources for parents—Scripture lists, prayer guides, and her ebook for raising children in a faith-challenging culture.Subscribe to Catherine Segars’ Website for The Prodigal Bundle Recommended Books The Domestic Monastery by Ronald Rolheiser God in My Everything: How an Ancient Rhythm Helps Busy People Enjoy God by Ken Shigematsu The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero Want prayer or a network of allies?Email Catherine directly at [email protected] or subscribe to her site for encouragement, practical faith-filled resources, and ways to connect with praying parents.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.