When You Love a Prodigal

Grief is a normal part of life. Disappointments, losses, hard situations come, and grief is often a part of those.But when you love a prodigal, grief can become an ongoing reality as the journey goes on and on. The hardest part of our journey lasted about 15 years. Grief was ever present, but so was God. Today I want to share with you some of the ways God met me and sustained me and even freed me.Judy’s Resources:Read The Circle of Life: https://tinyurl.com/2pp34dphJoin the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDoug

If you have been journeying in the prodigal journey for a long time, or if your journey is just beginning, you will experience many emotions: fear, anger, frustration, resentment, guilt and more. And at some time you will recognize an overriding emotion: grief.This week and next we will acknowledge the grief we experience as we walk through life with a broken heart—and some ways to live through it.Judy’s Resources:Read When Not to Pull Weeds: https://tinyurl.com/2dvu3ukvListen to A Companion in Grief: https://tinyurl.com/mr2v6f2mJoin the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

Sometimes I think it’s good to let you listen to another voice. The one you will hear from today is Gary Wilkerson, head of World Challenge Ministry, following in the footsteps of his father, David Wilkerson, author of The Cross and the Switchblade and founder of the Times. Gary is a pastor in Colorado Springs. When my book When You Love a Prodigal first came out, he had me on his podcast. He has walked our journey.I saw he was doing a series on the Parable of Jesus. I listened to the Parable of the Prodigal Son and thought you would benefit from it. So today, meet my friend Gary.Gary’s Resources:Website: https://www.worldchallenge.orgRead Fire in His Bones: A Collection of the Fifty Most Powerful Sermons of David Wilkerson: https://a.co/d/cihLQU2Read The Altar of Our Hearts: https://a.co/d/0BTIVFkJudy’s Resources:Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

I imagine, if you listened to the past two episodes on ambiguous loss, you’ve done some challenging thinking about your own challenges and losses.Today will be an encouraging time, I believe. You will hear a recording from me, a message I gave at Christian Leadership Alliance about the transformation God did in me over the years of our prodigal journey. Judy’s Resources:Read Way-of-Life Practices: https://tinyurl.com/3z73vybhJoin the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

Last week, we heard Pat and Tammy McLeod's heartbreaking story of their son's brain damaging football accident, and the so hard journey of great loss. This week we hear them again, telling of help and hope, of living with their son who was both there and not there. Though their situation may not be like yours, they offer us real, hard life and new perspectives and practices. And even a little Tim Tebow.McLeod’s Resources:Website: https://patandtammymcleod.com/Hit Hard: One Family’s Journey of Letting God What Was—and Learning to Live Well with What Is Book: https://a.co/d/iOTbmApEnter to win a copy of the McLeod’s books: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveawayJudy’s Resources:Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

Perhaps your loved one is gone, through suicide or overdose or a terrible accident, or gone from your presence by their own choice. Today we are hearing a heartbreaking story of a young man with a traumatic brain injury, who lived. He is severely impacted, but he is still with his family.Pat and Tammy McLeod will be with us this week and next week, vulnerably sharing their story of walking through what the reality of “our loved one is here, but he isn’t here.” That may not be exactly your situation, but Pat and Tammy have some very helpful realities that could help anyone on a journey with a challenging child. You won’t want to miss this.McLeod’s Resources:Website: https://patandtammymcleod.com/Hit Hard: One Family’s Journey of Letting God What Was—and Learning to Live Well with What Is Book: https://a.co/d/iOTbmApEnter to win a copy of the McLeod’s books: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveawayJudy’s Resources:Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

Jesus said some radical things about love. Then He commanded us to do the impossible: to love others just as He loved us—which He defined as “laying down His life for us.”He said love would make this happen: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. And then: Do everything in love.  Jesus says it’s possible.Judy’s Resources:Read Loving a Prodigal: Never Give Up: https://tinyurl.com/4kmj3rxfRead Loving on the Love Trail: https://tinyurl.com/3u8enhdfJoin the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

God is clear: We must forgive. And we must ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness is an essential garment in our wardrobe as a child of God.Surely Peter thought he was being magnanimous in suggesting he would forgive someone seven times. But Jesus responded in Matthew 18:22, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.Some of our prodigals might need to be forgiven 77 times—or even more.Judy’s Resources:Read A Prayer for Forgiving: http://tinyurl.com/4t67nb5yRead What to Wear as a Child of God: Forgiveness: http://tinyurl.com/ycjhphcvJoin the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

Patience is a challenge for most of us—in general, but especially when you love a prodigal.These definitions might help a little:the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a late flight.quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence—to work with patience. Also patience in suffering.Yet God’s Word tells us that patience should be part of our daily clothing.Judy’s Resources:Read Weary in the Waiting: http://tinyurl.com/5n6hvuncRead What to Wear as a Child of God: Patience: http://tinyurl.com/mwhda79tJoin the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

If we could relate to our wanderers as Jesus would have, we just might see a difference in the atmosphere in our home and relationship. We have already considered compassion, kindness and humility. Surely, as we exhibit those qualities of Jesus, we could anticipate more peace and positive connection with our prodigals.Today we take up gentleness.Harsh. Angry. Strident. Contentious.We can easily be drawn into the debate, the disagreement, the conflict. Our opinion is right, and we must affirm it. So we join the cacophony.This scene displays anything but gentleness, and surely doesn’t live out this word from Proverbs: “A gentle answer turns away wrath,…” (Proverbs 15:1) And most of us have experienced this result at some time in our homes, and with our prodigals.Judy’s Resources:Read Words of My Life: Gentle: http://tinyurl.com/yy4s6t2mRead What to Wear as a Follower of Jesus: http://tinyurl.com/4ptju9bnJoin the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

Do you have a blended family? Have the challenges of finding harmony as you put new moms and dads and kids together been difficult?Our guest today, Ron Deal, brings years of experience that will be just the help you need. And will give any of us with a prodigal practical ideas for relating to your loved ones.Ron’s Resources:Website: www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/8-session Video Series: The Smart Stepfamily - available for FREE through this portal: https://www.familylife.com/the-smart-stepfamily/Building Love Together in Blended Families Book: https://a.co/d/i4LkK7RThe Smart Stepfamily Book: https://a.co/d/7cy07aeEnter to win a copy of Ron’s books: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveawayJudy’s Resources:Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

My husband was a hard-working man. Our prodigal, in his younger years was not. One day my husband came home and our son was sitting on my car watching his friends work on his car. My husband’s response was, “Can’t you help them fix your car, or at least learn from them. You’re just sitting watching them work.”My husband rarely got angry, but he did that day. He came and sat down to talk to God about it. The Lord had a question: “How big is the gap between you and your son?” “It’s pretty big, when it comes to work,” he replied.Then the Lord said, “How big is the gap between you and Me?”Judy’s Resources:Read Learned from Children: Go Low: http://tinyurl.com/bde7t2afRead Jesus on Leading: Humility: http://tinyurl.com/yp64wn9rJoin the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

Kindness seems all the rage these days. Random Acts of Kindness get designated days and weeks of intention. Videos showing how one kind act leads to another go viral. Stories on the goodness of one person that changes the life of another garner Likes and Hearts and shares on social media.The harsh uncertainties of today’s violent world create yearnings for safety, for peace, for harmony. We hunger for kindness. For every child of God, kindness should be part of our daily wardrobe. It’s what we should be wearing—for all the people in our lives, and especially for our prodigals.Judy’s Resources:Read Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness Day: http://tinyurl.com/mmhyft67Read Loving a Prodigals: Patience and Kindness: http://tinyurl.com/48kmky8rJoin the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

Let’s start this new year off with a look at what God might want to do in our lives through this prodigal journey. If you have been listening to this podcast for very long, you have heard me say that God is just as committed to working in us as He is in our prodigals. He cares about our loved ones, but He also cares about us.A primary purpose He has is to make us more and more like Jesus. I am grateful that God has given us a clear picture of what He is working toward—what we will be like as we become more like Jesus. And Jesus lived out compassion always.Judy’s Resources:Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

The When You Love a Prodigal podcast is part of a group of resources for people who love a prodigal. First came the Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day every June 2, which was soon accompanied by the Prayer for Prodigals secure, online community for sharing and praying for requests. My book, When You Love a Prodigal: 90 Days of Grace for the Wilderness, was published four years ago, and now the podcast. We also connect with the Hope for Hurting Parents.Today I want to make sure you are aware of the Prayer for Prodigals Facebook Page, which has high interactivity among the more than 5000 followers. Managed by Lori Lloyd, this site provides prayer, questions and answers, encouragement and help on a daily basis. And today Lori has joined us to tell us all about the amazing support available today.Judy’s Resources:Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQP4P on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Prayer4ProdigalsP4P on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prayer.for.prodigalsHope For Hurting Parents: https://hopeforhurtingparents.com/Music for the Hard Times Playlist: http://tinyurl.com/wrhd6cx3Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417X: twitter.com/judydouglass417YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

A new year lifts us up, shaking off the remnants of last year’s mistakes, opening a panorama of a better future. We love to leave the hurts and failures of yesterday, believing that tomorrow is filled with sunshine and promise.Except, when you love a prodigal. Too often fears win out. You hope, but you dare not “get your hopes up.” You dream, hoping it doesn’t once again become a nightmare. You believe, but always with clouds of doubt blocking the brightness you desire.Can we have hope for the new year? Assuredly so!Judy’s Resources:Read “Can you dare to hope?”: http://tinyurl.com/mufeb349Read “The Lament of a Sigh”: http://tinyurl.com/2s3bvxu7Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

So we celebrated Christmas—and I hope you received gifts you appreciate and even treasure. Perhaps even a reunion, or a restoration, or some sweet times with your prodigal.And, of course, we celebrated the most amazing gift God has given to us: the gift of Jesus. Jesus is surely the gift that keeps on giving. Let’s consider what gifts we have received in Jesus. Be assured, our God loves to celebrate us and He gives the best gifts of all.Judy’s Resources:Read It’s wonderful what God grants: http://tinyurl.com/yc23jur8Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

As you wrap up your Christmas shopping and wrapping, perhaps you would want to think of some gifts for Jesus. After all, it is His birthday we are celebrating.I like to consider what Jesus might like from me as a birthday gift. I’ve thought of several things—I know He would appreciate these gifts from you as well.Judy’s Resources:Music for the Hard Times Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzh7k_t9P0uOJa9KofqG-ZcGCr9peqdIRead What Can I Give Him?: judydouglass.com/blog/what-can-i-give-himRead Grace for Them and for Us: judydouglass.com/blog/2014/09/grace-usJoin the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Jud

When you love a prodigal, you know you are in a battle. My friend and guest today, Tami Winkelman, will help us in that fight—on our knees. She has a book all about your weapons--365 Promises, Praises, and Prayers.Plus Tami and I have a lively conversation. You will find her helpful, refreshing, and encouraging.Tami’s Resources:Tami’s website: https://prayer-for-prodigals.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/prayerforprodigals7/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prayerforprodigals7/Fighting for Your Prodigal through Prayer Book: https://a.co/d/eUSxjrQEncouragement in the Waiting Book: https://a.co/d/1TodcfKEnter to win a copy of Tami’s books: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveawayJudy’s Resources:Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY

My prodigal seldom had money to buy Christmas gifts, so usually I got something I wanted and let him give it to me. As he moved into his teens, and he still rarely had any money, I began to say, “All I want for Christmas is…” something I hoped would happen in his life.Over the years I requested some treasured gifts from him. Judy’s Resources:Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY