Christian Parent, Crazy World

Have you ever felt like you had to “just accept” whatever life throws your way—even while your heart was breaking inside? Maybe someone told you it’s unfaithful to question God, or maybe you’ve wondered if it’s even allowed to be honest about your hurt and confusion. Here’s the truth: almost every believer will face moments when trusting God feels like a wrestling match.
This week on CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD, we’re tackling the question no one wants to say out loud, but secretly we all wrestle with:
Is it wrong to wrestle with God—or is it where the deepest faith is forged?
In a culture that prizes tidy answers and smooth faith, Christian parents are invited into the messier reality: honest struggle with God may be the most faithful response to life’s hardest moments.
For this conversation, host Catherine welcomes her two closest friends—licensed Christian counselor Dr. Erin Barry and certified trauma coach Susan Frost—for a raw, unscripted conversation about wrestling with God through pain, disappointment, and unanswered prayers. Drawing from years of theological dialog, personal loss, and journeys through suffering, they invite listeners to pull up a chair and experience what true biblical wrestling looks like in real life.
Meet the Guests
Dr. Erin Barry is a licensed clinical Christian counselor with decades of experience walking with individuals and families through seasons of pain, loss, and transformation. Together with her husband, she has devoted her life to ministry in marriage, worship, and family discipleship.

Susan Frost is a certified trauma-informed life coach, deeply involved in hands-on ministry and mentoring with her husband. She’s helped individuals and couples process grief, trauma, and confusing seasons through godly wisdom—and is a trusted friend in the trenches.

Highlights from This Episode
The Permission to Wrestle:
Catherine opens up about the tension many Christians feel—faith says “trust God’s sovereignty,” but scripture shows us heroes who bring anguish, confusion, and raw complaints to God (00:41).

Biblical foundation: Jacob literally wrestles with God and is changed forever, marked both by his limp and by a deeper relationship (16:46, 18:12).


Pain Is Not a Faith Failure:
Erin unpacks how genuine suffering alters us—those who have wrestled with God often walk with humility, vulnerability, and new spiritual authority (18:12).

Susan challenges the myth that “God’s going to do what He wants, no matter what.” Instead, God invites us into hard questions, purposeful struggle, and partnership in pursuit of His blessings (21:11).


What Real Support Looks Like:
The trio addresses how to choose safe “inner circle” people—and why it’s vital to avoid those who try to fix, minimize, or judge faith in the midst of pain.

Erin notes different people offer distinct support—some handle logistics, others shoulder emotional weight. Both matter (32:30).

Why most of us want to “tidy up” suffering, even for others—and why letting friends sit in the pain is a profound act of love (36:33).


When the Small Things Break Us:
Catherine shares a vulnerable story: after seasons spent praying for healing and witnessing loss, it was a friend’s lost cats—the seemingly “small” tragedy—that finally broke her down (41:24).

The group examines why sometimes, it’s the little heartbreaks that trigger our deepest questions about God’s goodness and presence with our children (44:50).


Wrestling vs. Losing Hope:
Erin distinguishes healthy wrestling (honest emotion, always turning back to God) from true despair (turning away, hardening the heart, or numbness through addiction) (59:00).

Susan gives voice to the ongoing question every Christian parent faces: “Is God really good to my kids?”—and why we become “prisoners of hope” (01:03:28).


A Standout Quote
“I don’t think that makes you a bad believer. I think that makes you an honest believer. The goal isn’t to wrestle away from God. It’s to wrestle our way toward Him.” — Catherine (05:43)
Key Takeaway
Wrestling with God is not a sign of weak faith but of honest, living faith. The biblical story—and the journeys of today’s faithful—show that lamenting, questioning, and even being angry with God can actually draw us closer to Him, giving us a deeper walk, lasting humility, and eventual hope. Sitting with our questions and pain—especially in the company of safe, truth-speaking friends—can transform our suffering into spiritual growth and resilience for our children to witness.
Why This Matters
In a world that wants quick answers and “perfect” Christianity, our kids (and we ourselves) need permission to bring our real struggles to God. Modeling honest faith—especially through disappointment—teaches the next generation that God is big enough for all our questions, aches, and doubts. Wrestling is not failure; it’s formation.
For Christian parents: When your children hit confusing pain or watch you walk through it, what do they see? Can you show them a faith that survives real wrestling—and ultimately emerges with deeper hope?
Episode Links
inseparableLives.com – More about Dr. Erin Barry and her ministry.

Yes, You Can Homeschool! The Terrified Parent’s Companion To Homeschool Success – Buy on Amazon

Catherine’s Free Parenting Resources

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Can You Really Teach Your Kids to Study the Bible—If You Don’t Feel Confident Yourself? The “Step by Step” Method to a Lifetime of Scripture Confidence
For generations, Christian parents have been told to center their homes and hearts on God’s Word, yet few have ever been taught how to truly study it—let alone guide their children to do the same. If you’ve ever felt insecure, intimidated, or unqualified when opening your Bible, this episode is for you.
Join host Catherine and special guest Angie Baughman, founder of Steady On Ministries and developer of the Step by Step Bible Study Method, as they offer an empowering, conversation-driven crash course on making Bible study accessible, life-giving, and transformational for the whole family—from toddlers to teens and beyond.
Meet the Guest: Angie Baughman
Angie Baughman is a lifelong Bible teacher and the founder of Steady On Ministries, an organization passionate about rooting believers—especially parents—in the practical skills needed to stay anchored in God’s Word.

With over 28 years of ministry, a powerful personal testimony, and tools used by everyone from school children to inmates, Angie created the Step by Step Bible Study Method to break down barriers and open Scripture to all experience levels.

Highlights from This Episode
Why So Many Christians Feel Insecure About Bible Study
Angie and Catherine discuss the lack of mentorship in church culture, the intimidation factor of unfamiliar terms, and the universal fear of “looking stupid,” even among lifelong believers 07:02.

The Power of Slowing Down
Through vulnerable stories, the hosts reveal how shame and insecurity can keep women (and men) silent—and how authentic community and gentle tools provide an accessible on-ramp for everyone, including the “Tracys” in our Bible studies 08:47.

A Practical Walkthrough—Step by Step
Angie unveils her 5-step study method, combining word study, translation comparison, biblical context, enemy-lie discernment, and personal application—transforming even a single verse into spiritual nourishment lasting all day 17:54.

Real-Life Application
In a powerful demonstration, Catherine shares how a familiar verse (Psalm 40:2) deepened through the method, revealing unexpected layers (did you know “rock” can mean “fortress”?) and helping her battle anxiety and pray more purposefully for her children 29:38.

Equipping the Next Generation
Detailed guidance on using the method with kids of all ages, from letting them pick words to discovering the lies of the enemy—a perfect fit for family devotions, homeschool routines, or real-life spiritual conversations 46:15.

Accessible Resources for All
Details on free step-by-step kits, family tools, and online communities so that every parent—no matter their background—can confidently open God’s Word and invite their children into the adventure.

Standout Quote
“Pastors and Bible teachers can share what the Holy Spirit said to them. But they cannot tell us what the Holy Spirit says to us when we study. That’s why it’s so important for us to have the skills to go into the Word on our own.” — Angie
Key Takeaway
No matter your past, education, or current insecurity, you can confidently unlock the treasures of Scripture—for yourself and your children. It doesn’t require expertise—just willingness, a doable method, and the expectation that the Holy Spirit will meet you—and your family—right where you are.
Why This Matters
In a culture obsessed with spiritual shortcuts and superficial understanding, Christian parents face a vital task: not just filling minds with Bible facts, but modeling for their families how to slow down, ask questions, and hear directly from God’s Word. The “Step by Step” approach isn’t just another study method—it’s an invitation into deeper relationship, radical honesty, and intergenerational faith that flourishes through every season.
Episode Links
Steady On Ministries & Free Bible Study Starter Kit: livesteadyon.com

Angie Baughman’s Step by Step Family Kit & more: Steady On Ministries (see “Free Resources” tab)

Catherine’s Parenting Resources: https://catherinesegars.com/resources
Call to Action
Christian parents, what’s keeping you from digging into God’s Word alongside your kids? What might change—for you and your children—if you stepped onto the “on ramp” and discovered the richness of Scripture one word at a time?
Share your story or your next step with us using #ChristianParentCrazyWorld, and consider inviting your children to join you in the adventure of discovering God’s Word—step by step.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if your child’s screen time could help them meet Jesus, shape their character, and spark conversations that last a lifetime?
In a culture overflowing with children’s entertainment, how can Christian parents find programming that does more than distract or “babysit”? In this compelling episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine sits down with Jess Wolstenholm, Vice President of Education & Publishing at Minno and editor of the award-winning Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids. With over 25 years of children’s ministry leadership and deep roots in curriculum development, Jess Wolstenholm brings powerful insights into how media can nourish—not just occupy—our children’s souls.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
A Better Media Diet for Kids
Why “just clean” isn’t enough. Catherine and Jess break down the difference between spiritually “nutritious” content and empty-calorie screen time. They challenge parents to curate what their children watch, seeking stories that reinforce godly character and biblical truth rather than just avoid harm.

Faith Formation through Storytelling
Discover how a child’s earliest glimpses of God shape their faith journey, and why representing God’s character—holy, loving, nurturing, and present—is essential from the very start. Jess Wolstenholm shares how programming choices directly impact a child’s understanding of God, values, and themselves.

Representation Matters—Even for Young Faith
“There’s not enough representation of faith on screen for kids.” Hear how Minno creates and curates media—like the innovative Young David shorts—that let children see relatable, not cheesy, portrayals of Christian life. Find out why seeing faith lived out on screen can be just as important as hearing Bible stories.

Old Treasures, New Purpose
Relive childhood favorites like VeggieTales and discover impactful series like Torchlighters: Heroes of the Faith and Liberty’s Kids—all available on Minno. Whether it's vintage animation or state-of-the-art storytelling, these programs offer rich entry points for conversations about faith, history, and courage.

Tools for Intentional Parenting
Learn how to turn media moments into meaningful faith conversations. From five-minute family devotionals to printable discussion guides and screen-free audio options, Jess Wolstenholm shares practical ways for parents to build on what their children watch—even when life gets busy.

“We want kids to get to know the character of God—not just as a rule-keeper, but as a creator who delights in them.” – Jess Wolstenholm
What Sets Minno Apart
Find out how Minno’s holistic, on-screen/off-screen approach (think: devotionals, conversation guides, coloring pages, and audio stories) is designed to support busy Christian parents and equip the next generation for a resilient, relational faith.

A Hopeful Vision for Gen Alpha
Jess Wolstenholm shares her dream for the next generation: that children would “know Jesus and understand His word,” not through shame or rule-keeping, but with a healthy, balanced grasp of gospel truth and the goodness of God.

Notable Moments:
The surprising connection between the word “Minno” and abiding in Christ.

How “vintage” content like Torchlighters and Liberty’s Kids help children step outside the “first world bubble” and see global faith and history.

Simple questions parents can ask after screen time to spark deep, everyday discipleship.

Why This Matters:
Your child’s view of God, their character, and their choices are being shaped by what fills their hearts and minds each day. What if the shows they watch could help you disciple them, not just distract them?
Modern Application:
Let’s intentionally leverage media as a springboard for spiritual formation. Whether you find a new family devotional routine or simply ask one more question at the dinner table, these conversations could echo for years.
About the Guest:
Jess Wolstenholm is Vice President of Education & Publishing at Minno, editor and executive producer of the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids, and a seasoned leader in children’s ministry and publishing. She is passionate about equipping Christian families to nurture healthy, lifelong faith.
Ready to turn your child’s screen time into soul time? What steps can you take this week to make sure the shows your kids watch are helping them experience Jesus—every single day? Dive into this episode and discover resources that could transform your family’s faith journey.
Episode Links & Resources
Minno Streaming Platform (Try Free!)

Featured Series: Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids, Torchlighters: Heroes of the Faith, Young David

Bonus: Free 7-day trial and downloadable devotionals for families

Catherine Segars Resources
Listen, reflect, and join the conversation—because Christian parenting may be crazy, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if the core purpose of your parenting isn’t what you’ve always believed? In a world obsessed with outcomes and control, Christian parents are challenged to embrace a radical shift: letting go of ownership and stepping into the liberating role of an ambassador for Christ in their children’s lives.
In this transformative episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine welcomes Candace Nassar, founder and executive director of MomQ, a mentor-led discipleship ministry designed to equip Christian mothers with biblical wisdom for every season. Drawing from her own journey from a secular background to devoted Christ-follower, Candace Nassar offers authentic insight and practical encouragement, inviting parents to rethink how—and why—they parent.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
Redefining the Mission: Purposeful Parenting
Why it’s easy to skip over the “why” of parenting and focus on performance or success (00:22)

The critical distinction between “ownership parenting” and “ambassador parenting”—and how this shift can transform your family (02:06, 25:56)

A Testimony of Transformation
Candace Nassar’s powerful story: from a broken home and secular ambitions to surrendering everything for Christ and discovering her true identity as a mother (04:49, 13:04)

The generational impact when one mother bravely says “yes” to God

Cultural Pressure & Parental Stress—Setting a New Foundation
Why our culture pushes parents to control, manage, and perform—and how this leads to overwhelming stress, anxiety, and fear (19:36)

How social media and comparison culture fuel burnout and feelings of inadequacy

Trust vs. Control: Finding Freedom
“Control is what I tend to when I’m struggling to trust.” How to spot control creeping into your parenting, even in well-intentioned moments (29:41)

Practical red flags: When anxiety spikes, it may be a sign you’re crossing the line into ownership (39:01)

Ambassador Parenting: The Heart of Christ at Home
Candace Nassar shares how parenting as Christ’s ambassador reframes discipline, discipleship, and daily rhythms (41:32)

“Gentle firmness”: Rejecting harsh authoritarianism and passive permissiveness by modeling the compassion and boundaries of Jesus (46:45)

Infusing faith into the ordinary—dinnertime reflections, spontaneous prayers, and seeing God in daily moments (48:56)

Moving Forward: Grace and Growth
Step-by-step guidance for moms convicted by ownership parenting—beginning with honest reflection and a prayer: “Lord, search my heart. Show me where I’m trying to control, and help me trust you more.” (52:05)

Key takeaway: The ultimate goal is not to raise successful children, but kingdom-minded disciples who love and serve the Lord (55:21)

Standout Quotes:
“If we get the foundation wrong, even with the best intentions, we can end up striving for outcomes that were never ours to control.” — Catherine

“When we realize our children aren’t ours to own but to steward for God, it changes everything.” — Candace Nassar

“Control is an illusion. If we can’t trust God with our kids, parenting becomes exhausting.” — Candace Nassar

About the Guest:
Candace Nassar is the founder and executive director of MomQ and a passionate mentor to Christian moms nationwide. With a background in business and education, and extensive ministry experience, she helps mothers move from striving and self-reliance to purpose and grace-grounded parenting. Learn more about MomQ’s curriculum and resources at momq.org.
Why This Matters:
In a culture that judges parents by their children’s achievements, our faith calls moms and dads to trade anxiety and control for the freedom and fruitfulness of ambassador parenting—reflecting the heart of Christ at home.
Modern Application:
Parents, where are you tempted to “own” your children’s path, and where could you invite God’s grace to take the lead? Get candid, reflect honestly, and begin the journey from anxiety to trust today.
EPISODE LINKS:
MomQ, Biblical Wisdom for Christian Moms

MomQ Podcast (available on all major platforms)

Call to Action:
How might your relationship with your child—and with God—change if you made the daily choice to become His ambassador instead of their owner? Share your thoughts, questions, or breakthroughs with us by tagging #ChristianParentCrazyWorld on social media. Tune in, reflect, and step into this new, freeing vision of parenting today.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Teen suicide is a subject no parent ever wants to face—but in today’s world, it’s a crisis that cannot be ignored. In this heartrending and hope-filled "Best Of" episode, Catherine sits down with featured guest Emma Benoit, a vibrant young woman whose hidden battle with anxiety led to a suicide attempt that changed her life forever, and with expert guest Jennifer Ellers, a Christian counselor and crisis responder specializing in youth suicide prevention.
Host Catherine brings listeners a gripping and candid conversation about the epidemic of teen suicide—a tragedy impacting families in every community. With staggering statistics showing suicide as the second leading cause of death among young people, the need for awareness and action has never been greater.
Special Guests:
Emma Benoit: Once a vibrant, high-achieving varsity cheerleader, Emma survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound at 16. Paralyzed from the waist down, Emma has transformed her pain into purpose, becoming a passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention.

Jennifer Ellers: Christian counselor, crisis responder, trainer, and author specializing in youth suicide prevention. Jennifer’s insights bridge clinical expertise with faith-based hope.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
Emma’s Hidden Battle
Hear Emma Benoit candidly recount how crippling anxiety and private pain led her to the brink—while outwardly, no one suspected she was suffering. “No one knew...because I was ashamed of it,” she shares, highlighting the dangerous power of stigma and secrecy (08:17).
Warning Signs & Early Intervention
Jennifer Ellers unpacks what every parent needs to know: the evolving age of onset (with cases now seen as young as six years old!), the often-masked signs of distress, and why honest, nonjudgmental conversations are the most important tool parents possess (10:12).
The Seductive Lie of Suicide
Both Emma Benoit and the experts stress that “no one wants to end their life—they want to end their pain.” The moment after her attempt, Emma was flooded with regret—a pattern echoed by many survivors. Suicide is rarely about death, but the desperate desire for relief (22:31).
The Spiritual Battle Beneath the Surface
Catherine, Emma Benoit, and Jennifer Ellers break the silence on the spiritual warfare at play—how despair is more than physical or emotional, but a real assault on hope itself. “You won’t convince me there’s not a spiritual component… that voice, that seduction, I absolutely believe is Satan,” Jennifer Ellers declares (34:56).
Hope, Healing, and Taking Action
This episode is not just a call to awareness—it’s a message of hope. Emma’s road to recovery, both physically and spiritually, is nothing short of miraculous. She offers a lifeline to every young person listening: “It’s okay to feel that way. Just hang in there. It gets better, and hope is so real” (40:34).
Practical Guidance for Parents:
Ask the uncomfortable questions, openly and directly.

Cultivate an environment where feelings are named and normalized.

Treat mental health as a body, mind, AND spirit issue—seek help, including professional and faith-based support.

If there is a threat of harm, remove potential means and seek immediate intervention.

Notable Moments:
“Death isn’t what [the suicidal] are after—it’s the escape from the turmoil and pain.” – Emma Benoit
“It’s a mind, body, spirit issue. If you leave out any one aspect, you’re not treating the whole person.” – Jennifer Ellers
“God has a plan to deliver everyone. We have to submit to His prescription, whatever that means.” – Catherine
About the Guests:
Emma Benoit shares her story widely through My Ascension, a documentary shown in schools and communities across the country. Jennifer Ellers is a leader in Christian counseling and crisis intervention, affiliated with the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Connect & Resources:
Learn more about Emma’s mission and the My Ascension film: myascension.us

Find counseling and suicide prevention resources: aacc.net

In a crisis? Call or text 988 for immediate help.

List of Scriptures to pray over those struggling with mental illness: Catherine's Resources
PARENT CHALLENGE:
Are you willing to look beneath the surface and have the hard conversations? This week, ask your child—even if they seem “fine”—how they’re really feeling. What would happen if you treated emotional pain as seriously as physical pain, and taught your family to do the same?
Listen now, and help bring hope into the darkness—because as Christian parents, we are called to fight for life, truth, and healing for our children.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.