When you discover that your child has abandoned the Christian faith it can leave you in gut-wrenching shock and sadness. On today's episode of Bridges Laine Lawson Craft shares her personal story of prodigal children and helps parents understand that they are not to blame. Laine also offers tips and hope to parents and grandparents of prodigal children. Romans 8:1

#guilt #prodigals #shame

When you discover that your child has abandoned the Christian faith it can leave you in gut-wrenching shock and sadness. On today's episode of Bridges Laine Lawson Craft shares her personal story of prodigal children and helps parents understand that they are not to blame. Laine also offers tips and hope to parents and grandparents of prodigal children. Romans 8:1
#guilt #prodigals #shame

Welcome to Hope for the Journey – Your weekly Christian devotional podcast for faith, encouragement, and redemption.

Designed for women over 40, this podcast shares inspiring stories of faith, perseverance, and personal transformation. Each episode features real-life comeback stories, showing how God’s grace, redemption, and unwavering hope can lead to new beginnings.

Whether you're facing a personal challenge, seeking spiritual growth, or needing daily encouragement, Hope for the Journey is here to strengthen your faith and remind you that it’s never too late to start anew.

Join Monica Schmelter each week for powerful Christian testimonies, Bible-based encouragement, and uplifting conversations that will inspire your walk with God and help you navigate life’s journey with faith and hope.

FREE RESOURCES:

Check out all of Monica's free resources, including a free prayer guide and meaningful ways to comfort the grieving, at https://monicaschmelter.com/resources

Welcome to Hope for the Journey &ndash; Your weekly Christian devotional podcast for faith, encouragement, and redemption.
Designed for women over 40, this podcast shares inspiring stories of faith, perseverance, and personal transformation. Each episode features real-life comeback stories, showing how God&rsquo;s grace, redemption, and unwavering hope can lead to new beginnings.
Whether you're facing a personal challenge, seeking spiritual growth, or needing daily encouragement, Hope for the Journey is here to strengthen your faith and remind you that it&rsquo;s never too late to start anew.
Join Monica Schmelter each week for powerful Christian testimonies, Bible-based encouragement, and uplifting conversations that will inspire your walk with God and help you navigate life&rsquo;s journey with faith and hope.
FREE RESOURCES:
Check out all of Monica's free resources, including a free prayer guide and meaningful ways to comfort the grieving, at <a href="https://monicaschmelter.com/resources">https://monicaschmelter.com/resources</a>

Welcome to Hope for the Journey with Monica Schmelter– Your weekly Christian devotional podcast for faith, encouragement, and redemption.  Designed for women over 40, this podcast shares inspiring stories of faith, perseverance, and personal transformation. Each episode features real-life comeback stories, showing how God’s grace, redemption, and unwavering hope can lead to new beginnings.

Hope For The Journey with Monica Schmelter

Hope For The Journey

Parental Challenges in Dealing with Prodigals

In this powerful episode, host Monica and Kenza Haddock take an honest and compassionate look at narcissism—the kind that often hides beneath charm, compliments, and early connection. Together, we unpack what narcissistic behavior really is, why it can be so harmful, and how it impacts women who are seeking healing and wholeness in the second half of life.

They begin by breaking down the clinical definition of narcissistic personality disorder, helping you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and how these patterns develop. We also explore the emotional and chemical bonds that can form—such as the role dopamine plays when attention and affirmation feel intoxicating, especially if you’re not used to being treated well.

Most importantly, this episode offers practical, hope-filled steps you can start taking today. From setting healthy, appropriate boundaries to cultivating a supportive community, you’ll walk away with tools to protect your heart, strengthen your identity, and move forward with clarity.

If you’ve ever felt confused, diminished, or mislabeled by someone else’s behavior, this conversation is for you. Remember: no name spoken over you can override who God says you are.

Key Takeaways


What narcissism really is—and why it’s often hard to recognize at first


How narcissistic behavior can harm emotional and spiritual well-being


The role of dopamine and why early praise can feel so powerful


Simple, practical steps to begin setting healthy boundaries


Why community is essential for healing and rebuilding


Reclaiming your identity beyond harmful labels and words spoken over you

 

In this powerful episode, host Monica and Kenza Haddock take an honest and compassionate look at&nbsp;narcissism&mdash;the kind that often hides beneath charm, compliments, and early connection. Together, we unpack what narcissistic behavior really is, why it can be so harmful, and how it impacts women who are seeking healing and wholeness in the second half of life.
They begin by breaking down the clinical definition of narcissistic personality disorder, helping you understand what&rsquo;s happening beneath the surface and how these patterns develop. We also explore the emotional and chemical bonds that can form&mdash;such as the role dopamine plays when attention and affirmation feel intoxicating, especially if you&rsquo;re not used to being treated well.
Most importantly, this episode offers practical, hope-filled steps you can start taking today. From setting healthy, appropriate boundaries to cultivating a supportive community, you&rsquo;ll walk away with tools to protect your heart, strengthen your identity, and move forward with clarity.
If you&rsquo;ve ever felt confused, diminished, or mislabeled by someone else&rsquo;s behavior, this conversation is for you. Remember: no name spoken over you can override who God says you are.
Key Takeaways
<ul data-start="1736" data-end="2149">
<li data-start="1736" data-end="1811">
What narcissism really is&mdash;and why it&rsquo;s often hard to recognize at first
</li>
<li data-start="1812" data-end="1885">
How narcissistic behavior can harm emotional and spiritual well-being
</li>
<li data-start="1886" data-end="1952">
The role of dopamine and why early praise can feel so powerful
</li>
<li data-start="1953" data-end="2016">
Simple, practical steps to begin setting healthy boundaries
</li>
<li data-start="2017" data-end="2074">
Why community is essential for healing and rebuilding
</li>
<li data-start="2075" data-end="2149">
Reclaiming your identity beyond harmful labels and words spoken over you
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Unmasking Narcissism- the Things You Don't See a First and Reclaiming Your Story

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/eaec5330-640c-467d-bc1f-b3c1014a26a6/transcript

In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter discusses breaking free from health anxiety with guest Jamie Hampton, co-host of the Praying Christian Women podcast. They explore personal experiences with health anxiety, the impact of internet research, and the importance of faith and community in overcoming fears. Jamie shares her journey through anxiety, the role of worship and prayer, and the significance of seeking medical help and support from loved ones. The conversation emphasizes that struggling with anxiety is valid and encourages listeners to find strength in faith and community.

Takeaways
Health anxiety can be overwhelming but is manageable with support.
Internet research can exacerbate health fears.
Faith and community play crucial roles in overcoming anxiety.
Worship and prayer provide comfort and strength.
Seeking medical help is important despite fears.
Sharing struggles with trusted friends can be healing.
Hormonal changes can impact mental health.
Avoiding Google searches can prevent anxiety spirals.
God's presence is felt in moments of vulnerability.
Struggling with anxiety is valid and not a sign of weakness.
Worship as a Tool for Overcoming Anxiety
Navigating Health Anxiety with Faith
The Role of Prayer in Mental Health
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Embracing Faith to Overcome Anxiety

Online Extras and Resources Just for You

PODCASTS — Praying Christian Women

You can grab a free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!

In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter discusses breaking free from health anxiety with guest Jamie Hampton, co-host of the Praying Christian Women podcast. They explore personal experiences with health anxiety, the impact of internet research, and the importance of faith and community in overcoming fears. Jamie shares her journey through anxiety, the role of worship and prayer, and the significance of seeking medical help and support from loved ones. The conversation emphasizes that struggling with anxiety is valid and encourages listeners to find strength in faith and community.
Takeaways
<ul>
<li>Health anxiety can be overwhelming but is manageable with support.</li>
<li>Internet research can exacerbate health fears.</li>
<li>Faith and community play crucial roles in overcoming anxiety.</li>
<li>Worship and prayer provide comfort and strength.</li>
<li>Seeking medical help is important despite fears.</li>
<li>Sharing struggles with trusted friends can be healing.</li>
<li>Hormonal changes can impact mental health.</li>
<li>Avoiding Google searches can prevent anxiety spirals.</li>
<li>God's presence is felt in moments of vulnerability.</li>
<li>Struggling with anxiety is valid and not a sign of weakness.</li>
<li>Worship as a Tool for Overcoming Anxiety</li>
<li>Navigating Health Anxiety with Faith</li>
<li>The Role of Prayer in Mental Health</li>
<li>Finding Strength in Vulnerability</li>
<li>Embracing Faith to Overcome Anxiety</li>
</ul>
Online Extras and Resources Just for You
<a href="https://www.prayingchristianwomen.com/podcasts">PODCASTS &mdash; Praying Christian Women</a>
<ul></ul>
You can grab a free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://prayingchristianwomen.com/journal" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://prayingchristianwomen.com/journal&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1759932315807000&amp;usg=AOvVaw35ZhhnUlSBCY-8OhiIFlC6">PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal</a>&nbsp;⁠⁠⁠today!

Breaking Free from Health Anxiety; Overcoming Fear and Anxiety; Internet Research may Magnify Fear

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/a76b17ee-152c-473b-894d-b3c100eb3c1e/transcript

In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter discusses the gifts that cost nothing but mean everything, especially during the holiday season. She emphasizes the importance of kindness, forgiveness, peace, friendship, love, and family, culminating in the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, she encourages listeners to reflect on these gifts and their significance in their lives, particularly during challenging times.

Takeaways

Gifts that cost nothing can have profound meaning.
Kindness can be as simple as offering help to others.
Forgiveness is essential for personal peace and relationships.
Peace is a gift that can be shared with others.
Friendship provides support and joy during tough times.
Love is the foundation of all meaningful relationships.
Family is a God-given gift that fosters belonging.
Celebrating Jesus is the core of the Christmas season.
Traditions can help keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
It's important to reach out to those who may feel lonely during the holidays.

Online Extras & Resources 

HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png (1080×1350)

Ruchti_The-Roles-of-the-Holy-Spirit.pdf

In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter discusses the gifts that cost nothing but mean everything, especially during the holiday season. She emphasizes the importance of kindness, forgiveness, peace, friendship, love, and family, culminating in the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, she encourages listeners to reflect on these gifts and their significance in their lives, particularly during challenging times.
Takeaways
Gifts that cost nothing can have profound meaning. Kindness can be as simple as offering help to others. Forgiveness is essential for personal peace and relationships. Peace is a gift that can be shared with others. Friendship provides support and joy during tough times. Love is the foundation of all meaningful relationships. Family is a God-given gift that fosters belonging. Celebrating Jesus is the core of the Christmas season. Traditions can help keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas. It's important to reach out to those who may feel lonely during the holidays.
Online Extras &amp; Resources 
<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57051b21d51cd4379e4ea36a/t/69376a806ad7eb690a718731/1765239424647/HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png">HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png (1080&times;1350)</a>
<a href="https://cynthiaruchti.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Ruchti_The-Roles-of-the-Holy-Spirit.pdf">Ruchti_The-Roles-of-the-Holy-Spirit.pdf</a>

Gifts that Cost Nothing but Mean Everything; Unwrapping the Greatest Gift of All - Jesus

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/05caafdf-8a4a-4141-910f-b3bc002aecf8/transcript

Parental Challenges in Dealing with Prodigals

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