Faith Over Fear

Sometimes relationships remain painfully stuck despite our prayers, countless conversations, forgiveness and every effort to make things better. When someone we love continues in unhealthy patterns, we can find ourselves replaying every interaction, questioning our decisions and wondering if we simply haven't tried or prayed hard enough. Or, we might question our perspective, wondering if we're being overly sensitive and simply need to offer more grace. Yet, we still hurt and our anxiety remains.
In this episode, Jennifer Slattery and neuropsychologist Dr. Michelle Bengtson explore how to accept difficult realities without losing hope, recognize unhealthy relational patterns, establish wise boundaries and guard our hearts against bitterness while remaining open to God's work. Together, they discuss the difference between reconciliation and responsibility, why forgiveness frees our own souls and how we can experience lasting peace even when someone we love chooses not to change.
Scriptures Discussed
Romans 12:18, John 13, Matthew 18:21–22, James 1:5, Matthew 5:44, Ephesians 4:31–32
Dr. Michelle Bengtson book: Sacred Scars: Resting in God's Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted
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Why do difficult relationships trigger so much fear, frustration and anxiety? In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol McCracken sits down with Bible teacher and author Kathy Howard to discuss how walking with the Holy Spirit transforms the way we handle conflict, misunderstandings and relational tension.
Together, they explore why our instinct is often self-protection, how to trust God when conflict remains unresolved and what it looks like to pursue biblical peace without avoiding hard conversations. If you've ever wished you could take back words spoken in frustration or find greater calm in difficult relationships, this episode offers practical encouragement and biblical wisdom.
In This Episode, you'll hear:
Why fear and self-protection often drive our reactions
How spiritual preparation changes the way we handle conflict
Practical ways to slow down during difficult conversations
The difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking
and more ...
Scripture discussed or referenced:
Galatians 5:22–23, James 1:19–20, Ephesians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 8:13, Romans 12:16–19, Philippians 4:2, Philemon, Galatians 2:11–15
Find Kathy Howard:
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Some relationships leave us feeling anxious, emotionally drained and unsure how to move forward. We want to love well, extend grace and remain faithful to God's call, yet we often find ourselves carrying burdens that were never ours to bear. In this episode, Jennifer Slattery sits down with pastor, author and biblical counselor Brad Hambrick to discuss what healthy boundaries are, what they aren't and why establishing them can feel so difficult—especially for compassionate people.
Together, they explore the difference between sacrificial love and self-neglect, how to recognize unhealthy relational patterns, why boundaries are ultimately an issue of stewardship and what Scripture teaches about navigating difficult relationships with wisdom and grace. If you've ever struggled with guilt, fear of disappointing others or uncertainty about when to step back, this conversation will provide practical guidance and biblical encouragement.
Scripture referenced or discussed: Matthew 7:3–5; John 2:24-25; Romans 13:1–4; Philippians 2:5–8; Philippians 1:6
Connect with Pastor Brad Hambrick:
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In this opening episode of our new Faith Over Fear series, Relational Peace: Loving Others Without Losing Yourself, Carol sits down with Bible teacher and author Becky Harling for an honest conversation about the subtle ways we lose ourselves inside relationships. Together, they explore how fear, people-pleasing, overfunctioning, and the pressure to keep everyone happy can quietly erode our peace, identity, and emotional health. Becky shares practical wisdom on boundaries, friendship, emotional dependency, and how Jesus modeled deep love without losing Himself in the process. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from carrying everyone else’s emotions or guilty for needing rest, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical next steps toward healthier, Christ-centered relationships.
In This Episode, learn:
Why people-pleasing is often fear in disguise
The difference between healthy love and self-erasure
How Jesus modeled boundaries and emotional health
Signs you may be losing yourself in relationships
Why Christian women and men especially struggle with overextending
What healthy friendships actually look like
Practical tools for saying no without guilt
How to love others without carrying their emotional weight
Scripture References
Mark 1:35–38
Proverbs 4:23
John 2:24
Ephesians 2:10
Key Takeaway
Healthy relationships are not built on fear, guilt, or emotional exhaustion. They’re built on truth, grace, wisdom, honesty, and an identity firmly rooted in Christ.
Find Becky Harling:
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Find Carol McCracken:
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In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Jennifer Slattery welcomes Christian counselor and author Dr. Kris Reece for a candid conversation about toxic relationships, manipulation, people-pleasing, and the confusion many believers experience when love becomes unhealthy and emotionally draining. Dr. Kris shares insights from her experience in a narcissistic marriage and as a clinician and explains why unhealthy relationship patterns can be difficult to recognize, especially for those who have spent years trying to earn approval, keep the peace, or carry responsibility for others.
Together, Jennifer and Kris explore what Scripture teaches about guarding our hearts, setting healthy boundaries, and identifying fear-driven motivations. Listeners will learn how to discern the difference between Christ-led love and unhealthy self-sacrifice, find freedom from people-pleasing, and pursue relationships marked by wisdom, peace, and truth.
Resource Discussed: Breaking the Narcissist's Grip: A Christian’s Guide to Cutting the Strings of Manipulation, Setting Boundaries That Stick, and Reclaiming Your Life From Takers by Kris Reece (Author)
Scriptures Discussed
Psalm 34:18
Proverbs 4:23
2 Timothy 3:1–5
2 Corinthians 10:5
1 John 4:18
2 Corinthians 9:7
Matthew 5:37
Galatians 1:10
Psalm 139:23–24
Connect with Dr. Kris Reece:
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Follow her work on Amazon
Find Jennifer Slattery:
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Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.