New Life LIVE

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Sheri discusses how many of us grew up in homes where there was sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and psychological abuse. Many people carry those wounds into adulthood, often still feeling powerless and helpless in relationships without realizing it. I am adopted; am I biblically obligated to have a relationship with my biological mother if I don’t want to? My 11-year-old granddaughter has developed a fear after getting sick and won’t take Benadryl because she thinks it’s poison. She was given a small dose of Prozac. What are your thoughts now that she’s off the medication but still very anxious? After 43 years of marriage, I’ve never felt that my wife loved me. What do you recommend? I lost my mom in October, and I’m an only child. We received an inheritance from her, but we were previously homeless and have now spent all of it. Where can I go to find clarity? I have a crystal meth addiction, and I feel like God is condemning me to hell. What can I do?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice reminds parents of the importance of repairing the relationship with their kids. Parents don’t know how long they have left on earth, nor do we know how long our kids have left. So, live with an eternal focus. How can I help my wife step back from enabling? We have a blended family with 12kids combined, and my wife enables her 34-year-old biological daughter. My wife and I have been talking extensively throughout the time we’ve been separated and divorced, but I just don’t feel like my trauma is resolved yet. I don’t want to make the same mistakes like I did in the past with my anger. I’m going through the court system for guardianship of my 71-year-old brother who is disabled; am I taking the right steps? My son was violently murdered, and then my other son died from a drug overdose. Now my daughter has moved in with my son and me. I’ve struggled with finding the right counselor. My daughter just left her controlling husband who has Asperger’s. How do I best support her decision?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice discusses how she dealt with a family member who told her not to share about her faith with them. My paranoid and controlling son is having problems in his marriage; how do I help them? I do FaceTime with my adult kids, but I have a lot of emotional triggers; how do I not get triggered by them? What do I do if I’m 78 years old, was homeless, and have lost everything?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice discusses what you can do to push yourself forward if you have any unfinished business-—such as needing to make amends with someone. I’ve lost five people in five years, and there are people in my life who think I am stuffing my grief down. My 24-year-old son is transitioning to a woman and wants to be taken off of my insurance; what do I do? I’ve lost my husband, mom, sister, and wake up every day hoping that God will take me; does God still love me? Should I have dinner with my son and his family for the holidays if he has an alcohol addiction and is very difficult when he’s intoxicated?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Henry Cloud explains that when he wrote his newest book Your Desired Future, he had essential steps in mind to help people move forward. Start by being honest about where you are—but don’t stay there. Get out of denial and develop a clear vision for where you want to go. I drink 4 or 5 shots of alcohol at a time because I’m lonely. My wife just looks at her iPad, and I can’t talk to her about it. How do I get to the root of it? I just checked into a clinic for alcohol addiction.

Caller Questions & Discussion: Chris discusses how we can easily overlook something like envy. We must confess it, recognize the damage it causes, and not minimize sin in our lives. I’m 34 and because I was a young mother, I didn’t do a great job raising my kids ages 17 and 18. I became a Christian two years ago, but don’t have a close relationship with them. What can I do now? Their dad isn’t in the picture. My daughter is closer to my lesbian cousin than she is to me; what can I do? I’m in a blended family, and only one of my husband’s adult children travels to see us. Can we stop making an effort to visit them?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jim discusses what deconstruction is and how his newest book, When Your Adult Child Strays: Trading Heartache for Hope, explores this difficult topic in greater depth. How do I love my wife when I feel no attraction or emotional connection to her? I also struggle with respect because we seem very different in intelligence and humor. I was sexually abused by my stepfather. Now when I visit my mom, she turns away when I try to give her a kiss on the cheek, so I told her I shouldn’t see her. Any advice?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Chris confesses he can be very obstinate and prideful when it comes to submission. We have to face that submission is not an option; use resistance as a pathway to what needs to be submitted to God. What do you do when an employee doesn’t submit to their boss because they believe the Lord told them to do something else? We are in our sixties; is it normal for my husband to spend significant time with his friends? I found out about an Ireland trip he planned to take and I waited months for him to tell me, but he didn’t. Any advice for sharing finances in a new marriage? My friend is transitioning from a male to female and has been depressed. Since her hope is in surgery, how do I be a supportive friend?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Becky discusses neuroplasticity and how God designed our brains to change and grow. Our brains form neuropathways, and over time, habits become part of who we are. However, real transformation is possible—you can change the way your brain works through doing things like habit stacking. I wanted to talk to my girlfriend’s son about Christ before he died of cancer, but I didn’t feel like I could because her family asked a pastor to leave the hospital room. Did it help to witness to him after he took his last breath? When the last caller spoke about regretting not sharing his faith, I felt led to say that he is experiencing conviction because he is in a sexual relationship with his girlfriend. I grew up in a dysfunctional environment marked by sexual and physical abuse. My father murdered my sister. Is it a sin not to have a relationship with my mother?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jill talks about what relational confirmation bias is—for example, when we’re always looking for what we fear. When we do that, we create algorithms that help to reinforce it. My husband is a farmer, and I have an outside job. It’s getting to be too much, and I’m finding my family is dysfunctional; what can I do? How do I navigate my 4-year-old daughter’s questions about her daddy? My husband and I are separated, and he’s not allowed to see her right now. Our 23-year-old daughter just broke up with her boyfriend and now wants to go to Australia by herself. I don’t want her to go—how should I respond? What can I do if my 33-year-old son and his wife keep cutting me out of their lives? I have complex PTSD.

Caller Questions & Discussion: Marc explains the difference between change and growth. While we can change external circumstances like jobs or relationships, real transformation happens through internal growth—otherwise the same patterns often remain. How do I handle my estranged 28-year-old son? He’s always had a difficult relationship with my husband and cut off most of the family except me. He eloped last year and has now cut me off as well. I’m concerned about my friend’s safety due to her memory loss. Should I step back and give her space because she isn’t open to suggestions? My husband experienced physical and emotional abuse as a child, and he often becomes angry with me and projects his mother’s traits onto me. What should I do in this situation? My friend’s husband is struggling with infidelity and anger and is considering an inpatient program—what type of treatment program would be most appropriate for him?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Chris discusses having a high-maintenance internal world and how showing up well requires intentional effort rather than entitlement, beginning each day by releasing anxiety to God. How do I establish the right boundaries with my 25-year-old daughter? She’s finishing her master’s degree but takes her frustrations out on me. I feel bad when I block my meth-addicted son, but he goes to detox and then starts using meth again. He recently fell in love with a woman who is also a meth addict. How can I pick the right lady to be with? I keep making the same mistakes over and over. My estranged son wants nothing to do with me because of my political views and Christian beliefs. I wasn’t a Christian when he was a child.

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice shares that over 77 percent of those who work in the sex industry were sexually abused in the past. If we are consuming pornography, are we participating in the abuse of those we are watching? Our daughter is getting married this weekend and it might be the last chance for full family photos because my husband has cancer. Our two sons will be there, but they have not spoken to each other for four years. How do I show up for my sons? Are grief, betrayal, and trauma intertwined? My sister took a lot of money from me through a will and is manipulative by talking to my neighbor about me and calling my doctor. My wife had an affair and gave me an STD; my doctor told me to divorce, but I don’t want to be by myself. How does a single person, who isn’t sexually active, know if they will have a sex drive when they get married? I get really enraged at my husband, sons, and mom, but the root is that my expectations aren’t met. My husband sexually assaulted me and the police said there’s nothing they can do. He contacts women on Facebook, and he asked his mom about moving into her house with his girlfriend; should I get help or get a divorce?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Sherri explains what a “traumaberg” is and how trauma is like an iceberg. The iceberg shows our behaviors, but underneath the surface is the trauma that happened in our past. I’ve been struggling with lust and masturbation for the last 6 years, and a man from church has asked me to be his girlfriend. Is it okay for me to start a relationship? I used to struggle with sex addiction and my wife is everything I could ever want, but she has no libido or desire for sex. What should I do? My son has a job and a roommate, but he talks about suicide and doesn’t go out. How do I help him?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jill discusses suffering. Pain is God’s megaphone to get our attention. Are you going to allow your suffering to produce character growth? Are you going to be bitter and beaten down about suffering or use it to get better? My close friend’s daughter committed suicide and my son even expressed thoughts of suicide in the past; how do I help my friend and my kids? I’ve been married almost 50 years and my husband clutters and hoards; any tips on how to deal with this? My 11-year-old son was diagnosed with ADHD and defiance disorder, but he lives with his mom; what do I do with his behavior when he’s with me? I’ve been married for 18 months and pay all the bills; my wife works but keeps her money to herself and spends it on whatever she wants. What can I do?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Becky discusses the big lie that “time heals all wounds” and explains why untreated pain can continue to harm us over time. Can you give me guidance? My 25-year-old daughter has Bipolar Disorder and recently moved back home because she’s been unable to maintain employment. Should I tell my adult son he is giving the appearance of evil? He met a woman 20 years younger who claims to be a minister, and he’s now traveling the country with her children. They sleep in the same camper. I’m in a failed marriage to a malignant narcissist, but I don’t believe in divorce. My oldest son has asked me to watch his children because he can’t afford daycare, but my youngest son and husband don’t want me to. If I don’t, my oldest son will have to quit his job.

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jill discusses steps toward radical acceptance. While we often want to avoid sitting with difficult emotions or thinking about painful situations, doing so can be an important path toward achieving radical acceptance and emotional healing. I’ve had one session with a therapist, and she used a subconscious imprinting technique in our work. Have you heard of this approach? How do I talk to my 37-year-old son, who becomes defensive when I discuss his bills? My husband has also tried stepping in by paying his rent at times. What advice do you have for my 57-year-old husband who has ADHD and does not like taking his medications? He says his mind never stops racing. You had a caller on Tuesday whose experience with a man in her small group at church giving unwanted hugs reminded me of how men in my life have also behaved inappropriately.

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jim explains that when confronting someone—especially an adult child or a family member—we need to remain the calmest person in the room to have healthy, productive conversations. What can I do about my sister, who has guardianship of a child and two seniors, including my mom, but is excluding them from the rest of the family? Should I move my sister back in with me? She was in a car accident and placed in a residential home, but someone may be trying to scam her out of money. This is my second marriage. My wife recently accused me of having something going on with a former employee after looking her up on social media and saying she was attractive—how should I respond? My counselor and husband don’t want me to have a relationship with my family because I have bipolar disorder and they say my family tears me down. How should I handle seeing my brother after I gave him money to keep him out of jail, but he didn’t use it and kept asking for more?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jacqui reminds us that so many people are living stressful lives because they’re confining themselves to a box that God never intended for them to stay in. Live in the space of freedom that Jesus came to allow for us. I have complex PTSD and I’m an introvert; do I need a coach or counselor as we head into retirement and move to another state? When you give it over to God, how do you make peace last? I am the dad of twin adult daughters, and I feel peace momentarily but then it’s gone. My 36-year-old son is an attorney and is considering suicide; this is his third attempt and I am on my way to see him. What can I do?

Caller Questions & Discussion: JJ discusses that if you are experiencing loneliness and isolation, you should ask yourself: “Am I making the effort to reach beyond my comfort circle?” How do I detach—but still support—my 45-year-old daughter and my 2-year-old grandson who may be on the autism spectrum? My daughter and her husband are demanding support, including asking us to let them stay with my brother or give them my house. There is a man in my small group who keeps trying to hug me, and I am not okay with it. I am the youngest in the group, and he seems to target me. How do I love my 25-year-old daughter who struggles with mental health and has drained us financially? My two adult daughters argue, and it is interfering with our family get-togethers. How involved should I be in their ongoing conflict?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Marc shares five practical ways parents can stay connected and set healthy boundaries with their adult children—even when those children are making unhealthy or destructive choices. I have a family member who has no filter, and I feel constantly disrespected and judged. Should I confront them? My husband’s niece stopped talking to him two years ago and is now critically ill. If he’s already tried reaching out, what else can he do to restore the relationship? Should I say anything about my friend being paid under the table? She’s been doing it for 12 years—what’s the right response?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice explains how you can choose today to start divorce-proofing your marriage and shares practical tips to strengthen your relationship. Is it acceptable for me to move forward with a divorced woman who is the mother of my kids? I’m a new Christian, reading through the Bible, and wondering what it says about divorce and remarriage. I was an alcoholic, but now I find myself struggling with food addiction, which feels safer than risking harm to others through a DUI. I’m 53 and my husband is 71. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and has ongoing cognitive issues, but he refuses to seek help. How can I face betrayal from extended family I see every day? I feel mentally absent, yet I want to be present for my kids. My brother is dying due to poor choices, and my family is making me feel guilty for not caring. How should I handle this family grief and guilt?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice shares the promise that “God sets the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6).  If you struggle with loneliness or being a people-pleaser, remember to HALT: don’t get too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. I’ve been a pastor’s wife for 32 years, and my gift is hosting events. Some people say I’m too much. How can I clear this hurdle? My extended family does everything together, but they gaslight me and often leave me out. How do I cope? My husband and I have three teens, and he always argues with our middle teen daughter. How do I balance being a supportive wife and mom? I have a 58-year-old son who sent me hurtful texts demanding I repent and go to his church, even though I live far away. My therapist thinks he struggles with mental illness. How should I respond?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jacqui discusses the importance of developing a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset. She shares how she used to say, “I don’t play sports because I’m not good at it,” but now approaches challenges with a growth mindset: “Let’s see what went wrong so I can learn from it and try something different.” Why have I replaced drugs and alcohol with emotional eating? Since getting sober, I’ve gained 70 pounds from turning to food for comfort. I discovered my husband was unfaithful. We’ve been in marriage counseling and tried an in-home separation, but not living apart. How do I begin living separately? In the past five years, I’ve experienced significant losses. Am I convincing myself that something is wrong physically? I’ve noticed memory issues and forgetfulness that concern me.

Caller Questions & Discussion: JJ shares about a critical email he recently received that left him feeling disappointed. Those who struggle with an avoidant attachment style must be careful not to let criticism draw them back into unhealthy patterns. What do I do about all the confusing things I’ve been through? My wife had bipolar disorder, and one day she was cleaning a gun and pointed it at me. I left my marriage, but I’ve also had people pass away and now feel very lonely. My husband has been unfaithful with both males and females; I’ve forgiven him but told him he had to stop or I’d leave. Now I find myself choosing not to care; I feel like my heart has hardened. What do I do? I have a lot of regret that I didn’t get married in 1978 after my girlfriend left. I’ve tried to meet someone and talked to four therapists, but I still haven’t met anyone. Any suggestions? I feel sad and only have a couple of friends left who haven’t died. Is it right for me to use cannabis to manage my PTSD and chronic pain? I believe my body is the temple of God.

Caller Questions & Discussion: Marc shares how, during a counseling session, he suddenly experienced intense pain and had to be rushed to the emergency room. In the same way, real growth in life often comes when we’re willing to face painful or difficult situations head-on. I’m 70 and have been struggling with major depression for months after multiple surgeries. I’m in my third marriage and afraid I might lose it. What are my next steps? After 45 years of marriage, I am still a virgin because my wife doesn’t want any sexual intimacy. How do I deal with this unmet need? I’m blind and recently suffered a concussion. I have support, but I’m grieving the loss of my dad and feeling disconnected from my mom. How do I cope? My daughter, a single mom of five, recently married a woman. How do I show her love without condoning?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jill reflects on the meaning of Good Friday and why it’s called “good.” Our sin is deeper than we often realize, but God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness are greater than we could ever imagine. My fiancée has asked for more time before we get married—how do I navigate relationship uncertainty and emotional stress? Our son and daughter-in-law have cut off all communication with us. I have many of their belongings and want to return them—should I hire a lawyer or handle this family conflict personally? We have legal guardianship of our 12-year-old granddaughter and 8-year-old grandson after she was sexually assaulted. What should I do after my grandson shared what happened with the neighbors? It upset my granddaughter and the neighbors.

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Sheri explains how the process of healing after trauma can feel like a lobster in the ocean—protected by a thick shell we develop after being hurt. I lost my husband in February after he suffered for years following a car accident, and I’m struggling to cope with grief. Should I consider surgery for ongoing issues with my eyes? I’ve had surgery before, but it didn’t improve my vision. I have ADHD and have been taking Lexapro and Adderall, which used to work well for me. But now, I feel disconnected from God’s voice. Do I need to adjust my medication?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Becky discusses “Spy Wednesday” when Judas sold out Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. We have betrayed Jesus by going our own way. During Holy Week, let us dismantle everything that isn’t about eternal things. My husband of 39 years left me and gave me the responsibility of selling our home. How do I deal with the anger and resentment? I was put out of the house due to aggression toward my 17-year-old stepdaughter and was charged. Is there any way to reconcile my marriage? I’m 20 and have a child with a woman who also has a child with another man. I’ve tolerated a lot of disrespect—how do I set healthier boundaries?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Becky discusses the Garden of Gethsemane and how Christ knew the suffering that was ahead of Him. In this world, you will face struggles. But as Christ prayed for the cup of suffering to be taken from Him, He said, “Not my will, but yours be done.” If pastors made themselves more vulnerable, would it help with church attendance? I brought someone to church, and he felt uncomfortable. I don’t fly anymore because I was on a plane that almost crashed. But my daughter moved 1,200 miles away and is upset with me for not coming to see her, along with other issues from the past. How do I know if Jesus has taken me through a healing process from trauma, or if I’m becoming depressed? I’ve been in therapy for a long time dealing with PTSD from my parents and am a new believer.

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jill asks the question: How do we do end of life well? In the last few years, Dr. Jill has experienced close friends and family members who have passed away or are on the verge of passing away. She’s seen how there’s avoidance until you can no longer avoid. What then? You have to lean in and show up. When people finally face what’s happening, God shows up. My husband confessed that female coworkers have been flirting with him, and it hurts me that he didn’t tell me sooner. It reminds me of what happened 15 years ago when he was unfaithful. How do I move on? I know my sister is lying to me; should I cut off my relationship with her? How can I support my girlfriend who has OCD in the healthiest ways?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Becky challenges us with an important question: What work do you need to do on your own journey? You can’t control how others perceive you or the choices they make, but you can take responsibility for your own healing and growth. My life is a mess because of my gambling addiction. I’ve lost everything, and the only person I could talk to about it committed suicide this week. What should I do now? My dad recently passed away, and I discovered my sister had been taking money from him. I feel completely lost and don’t know where God is in all of this. How do I move forward?

Caller Questions & More: Dr. Alice shares the story of a woman that she’s counseling who had an abortion when she was a teen and had to learn how to forgive her family. God wants you to move to forgiveness; it will set you free from bitterness and resentment. Are we to forgive everyone or just other believers? I struggle to forgive myself for the abortions I’ve had and other things. How do I mend things with my 35-year-old daughter? She said she’s going to take a break from us. I’m 60 and was kicked out of nursing school because of my anxiety; I was able to go to another school and graduate. What can I do if anxiety makes it hard for me to work? How much should I intervene with my 22-year-old cousin? She’s lived with me since she was 10yo, but she’s now pregnant and living with her boyfriend. I’m married and don’t have any kids yet, but I believe that children are an inheritance from the Lord (Ps. 127:3-4). Is my faith lacking if I use IVF?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice shares a story about a high school cheerleader who became pregnant and had to leave school. Many teen girls and boys facing an unplanned pregnancy consider abortion and feel they can’t talk to their parents or church for support. I lost my beautiful 14-year-old daughter to a fentanyl overdose five years ago and regret selling my family estate years ago. How do I live with regret? I’m a minister. Is it wise to introduce people to the Holy Spirit and ask them if they’ve talked to the Holy Spirit? Brian tells of a man with alcohol and sex addiction whose pastor discouraged therapy. Should pastors advise against counseling?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Chris shares a powerful insight on anger and fear—two challenging emotions addressed in the Bible. Reflecting on James 1:19, we’re reminded to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. How do I navigate life after being divorced for 3 years? I was gaslit, and it still haunts me. I filed a restraining order against my husband and am disabled; where do I go from here? My friend said I shouldn’t get back into work too soon. How do I deal with my older brother in an inheritance dispute after my mom died? He feels it’s fair to hold back money from me. I was looking at sexually explicit material 15 years ago, but I’ve stopped. Do I have to follow through with everything my wife says I need to do to avoid divorce? How can I support my sister and my 32-year-old nephew on the autism spectrum? He has a job and is very outgoing but cannot drive and wants to go to New York City by himself.

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jim shares about the Shema, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and how it is one of the most often quoted Bible Scriptures. Families can base the foundation of their relationships on this verse, especially Christian parents. My friend is 39 and just learned that her father is not her biological father! Should she keep her mother’s secret? My son’s wife and their 18-year-old daughter won’t go to church with them; they were deployed overseas, went through a house fire, and wonder where God is. How does a couple work through this faith and family challenge? My mother struggles with alcohol addiction and is in a care facility for dementia, but she still tries to seek out alcohol. How do I stay involved if I’ve resigned myself spiritually for my own sanity?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jill shares about Jacob, who wrestled with God but ultimately surrendered. My daughter is in her 4os and is living with us. How do I deal with her hoarding? Do I tell my pastor I’m going to leave my church that I’ve gone to for 20 years? I feel judged by the pastor after I shared with him about getting a divorce. I’m 90, have lost a lot of people, and am going to see a counselor who does EMDR. What can I get from EMDR? How do I tell a family member who sexually abused me as a child that I’m not interested in helping him recover? How can I be Dad to an 11-year-old stepson when his mother says he doesn’t have to do anything he doesn’t want to?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Do I need to punish my 13-year-old son? He has been sexting a girl from school, and I’ve already taken away his phone. I’ve been married for over 41years and have a blended family, but my adult stepdaughter struggles to get along with me, even to the point of getting in my face and shouting. I’ve asked my 84-year-old mom, my only remaining family member, not to discuss certain things that are mentally difficult for me to handle, but she keeps doing it. Should I cut her off completely? I’m a counselor and just found out I might have PTSD. I think I might have anger issues but don’t show it. How can I be productive and help people if I need help myself? I’m one child in a blended family of 30; why did some of my brothers and sisters not want to know about each other?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Worry and anxiety can easily take over your life—but learning to identify your concerns is the first step toward healing. Becky reminds us that “life be life-ing, but God be God-ing!” My husband of nearly 50 years was involved with another woman and kissed her. He finally did a full disclosure. What do I need to focus on most? After struggling with sexual addiction years ago, my wife recently filed for divorce. She did this after getting upset that I didn’t tell her I was involved with another woman before we even met. After limiting your time with a jealous family member, what else can you do? What can you do if you’re the jealous one, or if someone is jealous of you?

Caller Questions & Discussion: JJ shares a powerful story from the world of sports that reminds us that God is not only omnipotent but also a loving Father who deeply cares for us. Because of His love, we can bring our shortcomings to Him and trust that He listens. I’ve been in an avoidant relationship for 10 years. We’re both retired. But when I set a boundary with him, he broke up with me. What should I do? How do I manage my clutter? My mom struggled with clutter too. I’m not a hoarder, but as an adult I’m realizing these habits have followed me. How can I disconnect from my adult children’s drama? They ask me to hold them accountable, but they don’t listen—and I’m exhausted. I’ve been baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and also in the name of Jesus only; what’s the difference?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice shares two biblical promises that can carry you through pain: learning to be content and trusting that God works all things for the good. I’m 66 and feel like my heart has turned to stone. Why can’t I feel God anymore? My 45-year-old son and his wife cut me off after sending a letter saying they no longer celebrate Christmas. I haven’t seen them in 20 years—how do I cope with this kind of family estrangement? I was sexually abused by my father as a child. He told me he’d kill me if I ever told anyone, and even though he’s now dead, I’m still afraid. How can I heal from this fear and trauma?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jacqui discusses how reading helps your mental health. For example, literature can give us words for what we are feeling but don’t know how to express. Start by reading the Psalms, which provide language for our emotions and emotional health. Rather than telling men who look at sexually explicit materials that it is wrong, have you ever thought about telling them that it undermines safety in their marriage covenant? Can you give me guidance on a friendship with an unreliable woman? Last Friday, I was going to take her out for lunch on her birthday, but she was very late and didn’t take responsibility for it. Is EMDR giving over control to the therapist like hypnotherapy? My dad passed away when he was on a hunting trip, and I did EMDR therapy through a secular therapist.

Caller Questions & Discussion: Marc discusses statements that seem to show resilience but actually minimize the impact of trauma and past experiences. He explains two types of memories: implicit and explicit. Experiencing adverse childhood events isn’t about the severity of what happened—it’s about how we make sense of what we went through. I’ve been unemployed for two years and have depleted my savings. My husband has savings, but he won’t cover household expenses like food. I’ve told him I want to file for a legal separation. My husband did remodeling work for a widow in my Bible study, but she isn’t willing to pay him. I talked to our Bible study leader about it—what can I learn from this situation? The Bible says we have a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7), so why do so many Christians struggle with depression? I wasn’t in church for a year due to IBS, and it’s hard to get back into the groove.

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jim shares practical ways he and his wife grow closer spiritually—through praying, reading the Bible, and meaningful conversations. You can connect with your spouse spiritually, even if it’s just 5 minutes a day. How do I respond when my husband has separated emotionally from me but still plays the role of a loving husband and dad? He has anger outbursts, and we have three children. I moved to a rural community in Kentucky, and people often get excluded from churches or groups due to politics and personal conflicts. How can I handle these local power struggles gracefully? How can I help my 20-year-old granddaughter who says she is ‘married’ to both a woman and a man? She has a history of childhood sexual abuse, and her mother died from a drug overdose.

Caller Questions & Discussion: JJ discusses how we often waste energy focusing on past regrets, anxiety about the future, or trying to control everything around us—strategies that don’t work. He invites us to stop wasting energy on what we can’t fix and instead focus on what truly helps. Our 23-year-old son is bisexual and introduced us to his boyfriend last night. How do I navigate this? My daughter was sexually assaulted and had an abortion as a teen; how do I deal with my guilt that still affects our communication today? How can I support my 25-year-old son and his struggle with sexual integrity? He’s already been to Every Man’s Battle, but I recently saw something on his phone.

Caller Questions & Discussion: According to blended family expert Ron Deal, despite good intentions, most couples who bring children from previous relationships into marriage are not prepared to deal with them. The smarter you are, the better your family will be. I discovered my husband has been making a lot of phone calls to a female classmate from high school. To what extent should I insist on full disclosure? I’m a single mom to two teens and have been divorced for 2 years; how do I help them adjust to me dating again? I’m remarried, my husband’s adult son is in a wheelchair, and my husband and I don’t get to spend much time together. What is my role? What should I do?

Caller Questions & Discussion: I’ve been married for 53 years and we are both from alcoholic families. There’s no spiritual and emotional intimacy, and it has been hard for me to let him be physically intimate. My husband admitted to me that he’s taken a woman out twice and thinks that polygamy is in the Bible and he can have multiple wives. What can I do? Dr. John Townsend discusses the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling that he helps to lead at Concordia University. My adult son and I share a car; how do I approach him about paying for his fender bender damage? How did I get a phobia of getting sick, which is called hypochondriasis? How do I get over it? My 80-year-old husband fell and broke his hip; how do I place him into a board and care? My daughter and her husband are worried about their inheritance because I’m paying for it. My daughter is divorced because she found the person she wants to be with. She’s now living with him away from her five children in another state and says it’s God’s will. We’ve stepped in to help her ex-husband and children; how do I talk to my daughter?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Our good friend Dr. John Townsend talks about his band with his sons, and the Institute he founded, Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling, at Concordia University. How do I continue to flourish in my job with a bipolar coworker who is aligned with our boss? It’s not a safe environment. I’m retired and do all the things around the house for my wife, but I love spending time alone. Am I on the autism spectrum if I don’t need people outside of my relationship with Christ? I’m a 65-year-old divorce attorney. How do I refresh myself if my work is going great but my daughter is going through a contentious divorce and my grandson wrote a suicide note? I’ve been in foster care, institutionalized, and in jail. I just found out that the pastor I’ve been following will be leaving my church, and I’m hurt. I’m recently retired and doing everything right, but I’m sad, lonely, and depressed since I started a confusing romantic relationship a year ago.

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Sheri shares insights from her chapter in the book The Healing Church, where she explores the impact of sex addiction on the betrayed partner. Can Jesus lie? I feel like Jesus is speaking to me about things like not wearing earrings. I’m in recovery and have been a substance abuse counselor for a decade, but I still feel shame. How can I find balance when I feel like I’m an imposter? Did I do the right thing by protecting my mother from a will that was ill-conceived? My father was very sick when he gave his sister and me everything in his will, but it says he wasn’t married when he was. Last Wednesday, we had a blow-up with our 15-year-old foster daughter. Then she made false accusations against us. What do I do?

Caller Questions & Discussion: Chris shares how he has been working on his identity in Christ and journaling about how strong roots produce spiritual fruits. Even though it’s easy to get caught up in the outcome, Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:18-19 reminds us to focus on deepening our roots in Christ. Are there any Christian spiritual resources my friend can use after her home was in a house fire? She’s going to have to live in a hotel for months. I was in a car accident 20 years ago when I was drinking, and the friend who was with me died. I’m struggling with survivor’s guilt, why God kept me alive, and whether I should stay in the relationship with the woman I’m dating. My husband was unfaithful for the first 25 years of our marriage. I recently confronted him about going to a birthday party for a family member connected to one of the women he had an affair with, and I feel triggered and violated again. I get anxious when I’m around my adult kids, and I had similar feelings around my mother. What can I do about this family-related anxiety?