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283 How To Hold On To Hope When Your Child Becomes a Prodigal

Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Release Date: 09/12/2024

300 How to Transform Body Image Wounds into Sacred Scars with God's Healing show art 300 How to Transform Body Image Wounds into Sacred Scars with God's Healing

Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

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Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

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Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

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Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary:  The end of the year often brings about a time of reflection over our growth and achievements from the past year, as well as dreaming and planning for the next year. A popular practice at the start of a new year is to choose “a word of the year” to guide our focus, goals, and resolutions for the next year. For some, this is a rewarding and encouraging practice. For others, it leads to guilt and shame when they don’t have a word of the year.  In this episode, Dr. Michelle and Rev. Jessica share their experience with the practice, as well as several alternatives...

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Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary:  Continuing in our “Sacred Scar Story Series,” in this episode I chatted with Veronica Sites, who shared about the pain and wounds she endured that culminated in her believing the lies that she would be better off dead. She attempted to eliminate her life, but God had other plans. Now she shares the sacred scar that God is using to educate the church and leaders about how to respond in such a mental health crisis. Quotables from the episode: If you have ever experienced depression or anxiety, or suffered the loss of a friend or loved one to death by suicide, then...

info_outline 295 How To Celebrate the Holidays with Hope, Even When Life Isn’t Merry show art 295 How To Celebrate the Holidays with Hope, Even When Life Isn’t Merry

Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary: Reverend Jessica Van Roekel joins me as a co-host as we take on the challenge of how to celebrate the holidays with hope, even when life isn’t merry. They explore common struggles such as grief, unmet expectations, loneliness, and the pressures of maintaining traditions. Offering both spiritual and practical tips, they share how to hold joy and sorrow simultaneously, lean into God's presence, and embrace meaningful rest during this season. Whether you're personally struggling or know someone who is, this episode provides encouragement and tangible ways to navigate the season...

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Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

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Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary:  In this episode of the Sacred Scar Story Series on Your Hope-Filled Perspective, I had the opportunity to talk with Becky Beresford about a significant time in her life when things didn’t go as she hoped and meticulously planned. She experienced physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual pain. She shares how her first pregnancy was fraught with complications, leading to grief, loss, and deep wounds. Becky discusses how she learned to trust God through her struggles and how He brought healing, leaving her with beautiful sacred scars as a reminder of His...

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Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary:  In this Sacred Scar Story, we hear from Lori Wildenberg who faced the unimaginable pain of nearly losing her daughter to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. She shares how her faith and God’s presence guided her through this dark journey, ultimately bringing healing to both her daughter and herself. This story of resilience and hope offers encouragement for anyone navigating similar struggles. Quotables from the episode: Wounds have to be uncovered and cleaned out before real healing can take place. With great pain often comes fear, which can paralyze us and...

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Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

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Episode Summary: 

As a parent, we try to do the best job we can raising our children. While children don’t come with a “how-to” manual, God gives us wisdom in His word. Proverbs 22:6 tells us “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” So, what do we do, when our children choose their own path? On this episode, I chatted with Laine Lawson Craft and we discussed her story, her pain, her wounds, and now her sacred scars that came after walking a long journey with three prodigal children.


Quotables from the episode:

In simple terms, a prodigal child is challenged and gets off track despite being raised under the wisdom of God.

I thought I was doing everything God destined me to do. Yet all three of my children succumbed to the enemy and encountered battles with depression, drugs, alcohol, and pornography, and I didn’t even know how big the battle was.

As a mother who tried to raise my children in the Lord, when they turned from Him, I experienced shame, guilt, and fear. We have a very dark world we’re raising our kids in.

The phone is the #1 tool our enemy uses against our kids.

When we step out for the kingdom of God, we become a target for our children.

Our son was high and drunk and in an Uber car when he encountered Jesus. He didn’t have to clean up before God began working in his life.

Every prayer we pray is captured in heaven. Prayer is your most powerful, essential weapon.

God is creating a story that brings Him glory.

The only way we have a story is with a Savior who redeems us.

God redeems me every day. I know without a doubt it was the Lord who came in, rescued my children, and set them free.

God underscored the message of hope that at no-one is too far gone, too messed up, for the hand of God to touch their heart and change their life. And that forever changed me.

God loves you right where you are. God loves you and your prodigal. You don’t have to clean up for God to come in, and rescue and deliver you.

Don’t give up “in the meantime” when your prodigal child may be mean while you are waiting for God to change their heart and their ways. You may be disappointed, discouraged, and at times hopeless, but don’t give up.

God has a great plan for your child, and He is the true parent of your child. He formed them into your womb and has plans for them and we can partner with God and trust Him that He will bring them home!

Realize today that you are NOT in war with your defiant child you are in war with the darkness and evil of the world! 


Scripture References:

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

2 chronicles 20:15 ESV ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.

Isaiah 62

 

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Social Media Links for Guest and Host:

Connect with Laine Lawson Craft:

Website / Facebook / X / Instagram / YouTube

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

Guest:

Laine Lawson Craft (www.lainelawsoncraft.com) is an award-winning author, popular media host, and in-demand speaker. The founder and publisher of WHOAwomen magazine (2010-2018), she regularly hosts online challenges and masterclasses as well as Facebook Live events that reach thousands. Her Warfare Parenting podcast encourages parents of adult children. Laine and her husband, Steve, have three children and live in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson