Episodes

  • Why Your Story Matters – 289

    Why Your Story Matters – 289
    Jul 8 2025
    Are you sharing your story? Countless studies have shown that there's substantial value in sharing our stories and listening to others tell theirs. Among the biggest benefits? The release of oxytocin, a hormone and neurotransmitter that fosters trust and bonding. Vulnerably discussing our joys and woes, our challenges and triumphs, our embarrassments and achievements, has the power to elicit empathy in recognizing how our stories overlap. We glean wisdom, or at the very least, the comfort of knowing we aren't alone in facing certain experiences. This week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack why your story matters. What use are our experiences and hard-earned life lessons if they never make it outside the walls of our hearts? Consider how your own life has been impacted by your mother's stories, perhaps, or a close friend's. They also dive deep into the lives of two biblical women, whose actions challenged the culture of their time and whose stories stand as an example of the power of learning from others who came before us and walk alongside us now. Quote of the episode: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Resources Mentioned Catch up on all of our recent podcasts here during our summer intermission! Sign up for our newsletter, Grit + Grace Insider, here (scroll down until you reach the fields on the lower right-hand side on the page) We want to hear your story! Email us at info@thegritandgraceproject.org Related Want more on this topic? Check out these articles and podcasts: "Who Will Tell Your Story, and What Will They Say?" "I Found Freedom After Sharing My Painful Story" "3 Reasons You Should Share Your Story" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    16 mins
  • Fireworks and Freedom: The Reason Behind Independence Day – 288

    Fireworks and Freedom: The Reason Behind Independence Day – 288
    Jul 1 2025
    If your knowledge of how Independence Day came to be is a little fuzzy, settle in for a brief history lesson! In this podcast episode, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender recount America's origin story, starting with Great Britain's imposition of taxes and military presence in the colonies. You'll discover how the Declaration of Independence came to be and why it's significant (see the related resources section below for more), as well as our duty as women of faith (and Americans) to not only recognize our nation's flaws and failures but to correct them. For the little ones or fun-loving folks in your family, Darlene and Julie share 10 fresh ways to celebrate the holiday. We're not talking about BBQs—have you ever tried watermelon bowling or hosting a 1776 party? Sign us up! Quote of the episode: “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36). Resources Mentioned Learn how to set up an outdoor movie theater here Want to send a care package to a military service member? USPS removes the guesswork with its Military Care Kit—the kit is free and includes 6 boxes, address labels, envelopes and priority mail tape. Related Want more on this topic? Check out these articles and podcasts: "The Beauty of the Declaration of Independence" "How Can We Teach our Kids the True Meaning of Freedom? with Brooke Raybould – 199" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    15 mins
  • Feeling Discontent? Fix These 3 Areas of Your Life – 287

    Feeling Discontent? Fix These 3 Areas of Your Life – 287
    Jun 24 2025
    Feeling discontent with life? Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Less-than? There are typically three culprits to blame: clutter, comparison, and conflict. Their impact, individually or collectively, can bog you down. Luckily, you're in control. In this podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack the burden that the three Cs—clutter, comparison, and conflict—can drain our contentment with each area of our lives: our jobs, families, home, appearance, spirituality, and more. If we don't keep them in check, we'll never be satisfied. Tune in to learn practical strategies for managing the three Cs and reclaim your peace. Quote of the episode: “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Resources Mentioned Catch up on these podcast episodes: "If Your Clutter Is Driving You Crazy – 263" "Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 1 – 283" "Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 2 – 284" Related Want more on this topic? Check out these articles: "How to Crush Comparison With a Compliment" "Conquering Clutter Will Reveal the Things That Matter" "A Therapist's Advice on How to Handle Conflict" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    20 mins
  • Stuck in a Hard Season? 5 Tips to Turn It Around – 286

    Stuck in a Hard Season? 5 Tips to Turn It Around – 286
    Jun 17 2025
    Bad days and hard seasons are to be expected, and yet we can never fully prepare for the way they might shake us to the core and disrupt our lives. So how are we supposed to respond when life seems to dish out one hit after another? In this podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack five practical ways to work through the sting of a rough season, especially when it tests your faith. If you're in the middle of one of those chapters—you know, the kind you'd rather forget about entirely—this conversation is for you. Quote of the episode: “I have told you these things so that in me, you may have perfect peace. In the world, you will have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous; be confident; be undaunted. Be filled with joy. I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Resources Related When Life Hits Hard, It Just Takes a Little Faith God's Strength Is Found in the Hard Places Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    26 mins
  • What Makes a Great Father? – 285

    What Makes a Great Father? – 285
    Jun 10 2025
    Cheesy puns, recliner naps, and mischievous risks... these are just some of the hallmarks of a great dad—maybe even yours! As Father's Day approaches, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender remind you of what makes a great father. Why we need to take time to celebrate the unique qualities that set dads apart. They share how their husbands handle fatherhood, explore the innate differences between men and women that make a father's approach to raising kids to complementary, and why it's important to give dads grace when that approach veers a little risky. They have their reasons, and your kids may be all the better for it! Whether you're celebrating your own dad this Father's Day or the father to your children, this episode is a reminder of the comfortable, safe space a loving father creates and holds for a lifetime. Let every great father know how important they truly are. Quote of the episode: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:13). Resources Related "How to Make Your Man Feel Like a Great Father" “Ask Dr. Zoe - How do I Develop Healthy Self Worth After Reconnecting With My Estranged Father? Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    19 mins
  • Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 2 – 284

    Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 2 – 284
    Jun 3 2025
    The process of forgiveness and reconciliation is a two-way street, and both parties are equally responsible for putting in the work to restore the relationship. Yes, even if you were the one wronged! In part two in this miniseries on forgiveness to reconciliation, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender discuss the four steps of making amends and emphasize the importance of approaching each one with humility. Whether you've been wronged or have wronged someone else, you must set aside your pride and commit to rebuilding trust, whatever that might look like for your situation. It's certainly not easy, but when done with sincere intentions (and often with the aid of outside counseling), the process of reconciliation can become a powerful example of peacemaking. Quote of the episode: “You're going to find true peacemaking to be way more effective and way more fruitful if you're willing to put in the work.”—Julie Bender Resources Mentioned Join the Re|engage Marriage Enrichment and Restoration course The Peacemaking Process graphic: Related "If You’re Tired of Resentment Living Rent-Free in Your Heart – 259" "Forgiveness Is the Key to Living a Bitter-Free Life" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    19 mins
  • Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 1 – 283

    Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 1 – 283
    May 27 2025
    Forgiveness is a radical act—it's not about holding someone's offense over their head like a debt, and it's also not about forgetting what they've done. So what is forgiveness in and of itself? In part one of two in this miniseries on forgiveness to reconciliation, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender debunk several misconceptions around what real forgiveness entails, revealing a much simpler approach that removes the pressure and pain normally associated with it. You'll learn how your relationship with God plays a critical role in truly forgiving someone and a sample prayer that you can use when you're not sure where to start. We've also included a graphic of the prayer below—scroll down to screenshot and save it for easy reference. Join us next week for part two of the series, where Darlene and Julie unpack the process of reconciliation. Quote of the episode: “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5: 23-24). Resources Mentioned Join the Re|engage Marriage Enrichment and Restoration course The Forgiveness Prayer (F-R-E-E) Face the truth of the sins against you and grieve the hurt Release your wounds to God and ask for healing Entrust your claims for justice to God Exalt God for offering peace through Christ to all Related "Forgiveness Is the Key to Living a Bitter-Free Life" "Why You Need to Forgive When Forgiveness Seems Impossible" "My Parents’ Murder-Suicide and the Road to Forgiveness with Tracy Brandt – 208" "If You’re Tired of Resentment Living Rent-Free in Your Heart – 259" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    19 mins
  • Why We Can’t Forget the Reason for Memorial Day – 282

    Why We Can’t Forget the Reason for Memorial Day – 282
    May 20 2025
    We tend to gloss over the intention behind Memorial Day each year as we prep for a long weekend full of good food, games, and time at the beach. But to be clear: We wouldn't be able to enjoy any of those things without others' sacrifices. To keep this truth top of mind as we approach the holiday weekend, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender walk through the history of the national holiday and share the startling numbers of those lost in recent wars. There is a depth and gravity to the topic that's worthy of honor and remembrance, including the first recorded Memorial Day celebration in which former slaves from Charleston, South Carolina, gathered to honor the Union soldiers lost during the war in 1865. If you've felt removed from the reason for Memorial Day, we urge you to take a listen to this short but meaningful podcast episode. Quote of the episode: “We should honor and remember the sacrifice of those who have [answered the call to go off and fight a war], and even immensely more those who have given their lives on the battlefield.”—Julie Bender Resources Related Learn more about how the Wounded Warrior Project honor and supports veterans Mentioned Read more about the first recorded Memorial Day celebration here Check out the Smart Living book series here! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    12 mins