Fight for your child and Win Back Your Prodigal! The battle belongs to the Lord. Today, Laine Lawson Craft joins me for an honest conversation about parenting a prodigal.
There’s a unique kind of heartbreak that comes when a child you love deeply walks away — from faith, from family, from everything they once held dear. As a parent, you feel the weight of their choices, the sleepless nights filled with worry, and the quiet prayers whispered through tears.
God sees your child, even in the darkness. He loves them even more than you do, and He is always working, even when you can’t see it. The road back may be long and messy, but restoration is possible. The same God who welcomed the prodigal son home with open arms is ready to do the same for your child — and He will give you the strength and wisdom to walk this path with faith and hope.
“We can take back what the enemy has stolen, but we must know the strategies to activate our victory.” Laine Lawson Craft
Acknowledge the Reality of Your Prodigal
Facing the truth about your child’s struggles is one of the hardest steps a parent can take — but it’s also the first step toward healing.
Admit the problem without denial or minimizing.
Understand that addiction and rebellion are complex and often stem from deep pain or unmet needs.
Recognize that this is a spiritual battle as much as a physical or emotional one (Ephesians 6:12).
Once you face the reality of the situation, you can begin to address it with wisdom and faith.
Respond to Your Prodigal with Love
When a child is caught in darkness, love — not judgment — is the bridge that can lead them home.
Resist the urge to lecture, criticize, or shame.
Model the love of Christ — unconditional and patient (Romans 5:8).
Let your child know you love them without enabling destructive behavior.
Responding with grace doesn’t mean you approve of their choices — it means you’re showing them the heart of God.
Engage in Spiritual Warfare Through Prayer
Prayer is not just a comfort; it’s a weapon in the spiritual battle for your child’s heart.
Pray specific, bold prayers for protection, healing, and deliverance (James 5:16).
Use Scripture as a weapon — declare promises of restoration and freedom (Isaiah 49:25, Jeremiah 31:16–17).
Ask others to join you in prayer and fasting.
Prayer realigns your heart with God’s will and invites His power into your child’s life. While prayer is powerful, prodigals need you st set healthy boundaries.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Love without boundaries leads to chaos — boundaries are an act of love, not rejection.
Love does not mean allowing destructive behavior.
Establish clear expectations and consequences (Galatians 6:7–8).
Be firm yet compassionate when enforcing boundaries.
Setting boundaries may feel hard, but it gives your child the structure they need to heal. Sometimes, you need to seek outside help.
Seek Professional and Spiritual Help
You don’t have to walk this road alone — God places people in your path to help you.
Encourage counseling or addiction recovery programs rooted in faith.
Find a Christian mentor or spiritual advisor for both you and your child.
Connect with other parents who have walked this path — community matters (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).
Seeking help is not weakness; it’s wisdom and strength.
Fight the Enemy, Not Your Child
Addiction and rebellion may look like your child’s battle, but the real enemy is spiritual.
Understand that addiction is not just a moral failure but a spiritual stronghold (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Speak truth over your child — declare that they are not defined by their addiction but by their identity in Christ.
Recognize that the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy — but God promises abundant life (John 10:10).
You can fight effectively and purposefully when you see the true enemy.
Leave Room for God to Work
Letting go is one of the hardest things a parent can do — but sometimes, it’s the only way for healing to begin.
Surrender control and trust God’s timing.
Allow your child to feel the consequences of their choices without rushing to rescue them (Luke 15:17).
Keep the door open for reconciliation, but let them come to the Father on their terms.
When you stop trying to control the outcome, you allow God to work miracles.
Conclusion: The Battle for Your Child is Spiritual
No matter how difficult things seem, the child we know and love is still alive on the inside. God is not finished writing your child’s story.
Remember that you are not alone, and this is not the end of their story.
Bio, Related Shows, and Links
Laine Lawson Craft, dynamic speaker and host of the top-ranked podcast Warfare Parenting, is the best-selling author of several books, including Spiritual Warfare and The Parent’s Battle Plan. She has been married for over thirty-seven years, Laine lives in Florida. As a mother and grandmother.
She has been featured on major media outlets, including FOX News, The 700 Club, CBN, CTN, TCT, and various radio programs and podcasts.
The Heart of Caregiving is found in the quiet, unseen moments — the late nights, the tired mornings, and the endless cycle of giving without expecting anything in return. Jess Ronne joins me today for an honest conversation on caregiving.
Caregiving is not just about meeting physical needs; it’s about pouring love, patience, and strength into someone else’s life, even when your cup feels empty.
Amid exhaustion and uncertainty, a quiet strength comes from knowing you are not alone. This is the heart of caregiving — a place where grit and grace meet, sustaining you through even the hardest days.
“The heart of caregiving is found in the quiet, unseen moments — the late nights, the tired mornings, and the endless cycle of giving without expecting anything in return. I know this because I’ve been there. Caring for my mom taught me that true strength isn’t loud; it’s found in the quiet acts of love and patience when no one is watching.” Connie Albers
The Heart of Caregiving
The heart of caregiving is found in the quiet, unseen moments — the late nights, the tired mornings, and the endless cycle of giving without expecting anything in return. I know this because I’ve been there. Caring for my mom taught me that true strength isn’t loud; it’s found in the quiet acts of love and patience when no one is watching. It’s in the middle-of-the-night wake-ups, the doctor’s appointments, the hard conversations, and the moments when you wonder if you have anything left to give. Caregiving is hard, holy work — and it changes you in ways you never expected.
The Challenges of Caregiving
Caregiving stretches you in every possible way — physically, emotionally, and mentally. There’s the exhaustion that comes from sleepless nights and long days. You pour out everything you have to meet someone else’s needs, often putting your own aside. And it’s not just the physical toll — it’s the emotional weight too.
It’s hard watching someone you love struggle. You wish you could fix it, make it better, take away the pain — but you can’t. The constant decision-making can be overwhelming. Did I do the right thing? Should I have spoken up more at that appointment? Am I doing enough? These thoughts can weigh you down, leaving you feeling like you’re never quite enough.
But here’s the truth: you are enough. Just showing up matters. Even when you’re tired and don’t have all the answers, being there is an act of love and courage.
Finding Strength in Grit
Caregiving requires grit — that daily resolve to keep going even when it’s hard. You show up, not because it’s easy, but because you love the person in front of you.
Grit is getting out of bed when you’d rather stay under the covers. It’s figuring out complicated medical instructions and staying calm when everything feels like it’s falling apart. It’s knowing that you might not see the rewards of your labor — but choosing to serve anyway.
I remember days when I felt utterly depleted — emotionally and physically. But somehow, I’d find the strength to keep going. That’s the power of grit. It’s not glamorous; it’s steady and quiet. And it matters.
Finding Peace in Grace
But grit alone isn’t enough. That’s where grace comes in. Grace is what carries you when you’re too tired to stand.
Grace means allowing yourself to be human. You don’t have to be perfect to be a good caregiver. You can get frustrated and feel exhausted and still be doing enough. Grace is knowing that it’s okay to take a break—that rest isn’t failure; it’s necessary.
It’s also about offering grace to the person you’re caring for. They might not always express gratitude. They might lash out because they’re hurting. Grace reminds you that they’re struggling too. And it helps you respond with patience instead of resentment.
Grace is forgiving yourself when you don’t get it right. It’s recognizing that love is still present even on the hard days.
The Scrared Calling of Caregiving
Caregiving is hard — but it’s also sacred. There’s something profoundly beautiful about loving someone through their hardest moments.
It’s easy to think of caregiving as a chore or an obligation. But it’s more than that. It’s an act of devotion. Every meal prepared, every hand held, every encouraging word — these are reflections of God’s love. Even when you feel unseen, God sees you.
You might not hear “thank you” as often as you’d like, but your work matters. You are standing in the gap for someone who needs you. That’s sacred.
When I was caring for my mom, there were moments when I felt invisible — like no one saw the hard work I was doing. But God saw. And He gave me strength when I had nothing left. That’s the gift of caregiving — you’re not doing it alone.
Practical Encouragment for Caregivers
I know firsthand how easy it is to neglect yourself when you’re focused on someone else’s needs. But you can’t give from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s necessary.
Prioritize Rest. Even if you can only grab 10 mins. of quiet, take it. Your body and mind need to reset.
Set Realistic Goals. You won’t get it right all the time, and that’s okay.
Ask for Help. People might not know you need anything, so be willing to ask. Lean on your community, family, and even professional support.
Conclusion: The Heart of Caregiving
The heart of caregiving is found in the tension between grit and grace — showing up when it’s hard and trusting that you are not alone. Caregiving will stretch you, challenge you, and sometimes break your heart — but it will also grow you in ways you never imagined.
If you’re in the middle of caregiving right now, I want you to know this: You are doing holy work. You are seen. You are enough. And you are not alone.
References, Related Shows, and Links
Jess Ronne is no stranger to caregiving. As the eldest of eleven siblings, Jess was responsible for their care during her upbringing. Her commitment to caregiving continued after she married and received the medical news that her son Luca would be born with significant disabilities requiring lifelong care.
She then faced the devastating news that her thirty-one-year-old husband was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, leaving her to raise four children alone. Her life took another remarkable turn when she met Ryan, a widower with three children. They blended two families and welcomed another child together.
Jess leads the Lucas Project, a nonprofit outreach organization committed to supporting individuals with special needs. Alongside her husband, Jess established Hope Farm, a residential facility that assists the needs of her son and other young adults with disabilities.
Milestones, Memories, and Moments: 5 Years of Equipped To Be. My how time flies. Let’s take a look at the Challenges that almost made me quit, the lessons I’ve learned, and the wins that kept me going.
When I first started Equipped To Be, I had no idea where this journey would lead. I simply wanted to encourage and equip parents, helping them navigate life with confidence and faith. But what started as a small step of obedience has turned into five years of life-giving conversations, shared wisdom, and stories of transformation.
Still, the journey hasn’t always been easy…
Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” This reminds us that every day, every episode, every year is by God’s grace and mercy.
The Challenges: When I Wanted To Quit
Podcasting is an incredible way to connect with people, but let me tell you—it comes with its fair share of obstacles. I’ve faced seasons of slow growth, lost valuable team members, and wrestled with moments of doubt.
There were times I questioned if this was what God still wanted me to do. Times when I thought, Is anyone really listening? Is this making a difference?
But every time, God reminded me: faithfulness is the goal, not fast results.
And that faithfulness led to some of the most unexpected blessings…
💡 James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” God uses challenges to refine and strengthen us—even in podcasting!
5 Lessons From 5 Years
If I could sum up everything I’ve learned in this journey, it would be these five lessons:
Consistency is key – Even when growth feels slow, the real impact comes in showing up. Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” God’s timing is perfect—even when growth feels slow.
You’re never really ready – “If I waited until I felt ready to launch, I’d still be waiting.” Ecclesiastes 11:4 – “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” If we wait for the “perfect” moment, we may never start at all!
Faith over fear – Trusting God’s plan, even when results aren’t immediate. 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Fear should never stop us from walking in our calling.
Serving over numbers – The shift from focusing on downloads to focusing on impact. Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Impact is about obedience, not numbers.
It’s okay to evolve – “The podcast today is different from when it started, and that’s a good thing!” 📖 Isaiah 43:19 – “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” God grows and refines our calling over time.
💡 But beyond the numbers and downloads, what truly matters are the lessons learned along the way…
The Wins: The Most Impactful Moments
Despite the challenges, the impact of Equipped To Be has been undeniable. Over the past five years, I’ve received heartfelt messages from listeners sharing how an episode spoke directly into their lives—giving them the encouragement they needed in the exact moment they needed it.
Some episodes resonated deeply, becoming listener favorites. Others surprised me with their reach and impact. And every single conversation reminded me why this mission matters.
1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Let’s Celebtrate the Milestone, Memories & MomentsTogether
Whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re just discovering Equipped To Be, I want to thank you for being part of this journey. This podcast wouldn’t be what it is without YOU!
“If you’re working on something—whether it’s raising kids, homeschooling, starting a business, or maybe even your own podcast—let me remind you: keep going.”
“It’s not about perfecting the journey—it’s about being faithful in the calling.”
Thank you for your support and messages and for being part of this journey.
We have some exciting things coming for Equipped To Be in year six! Stay tuned!
💬 Did this episode encourage you? I’d love to hear from you! Share your favorite Equipped To Be moment on Instagram or Facebook and tag me. Let’s celebrate together!
Final Encouragement Verse: Hebrews 10:36 – “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Perseverance in our calling brings God’s blessings.
Motherhood has a way of pulling us in a thousand directions. And while we want to stay spiritually centered, the distractions are endless. This journal is a soft but steady nudge back to what matters most: your relationship with the Lord.
Each day, you’re given a guided prayer that helps you focus your thoughts and emotions around a particular theme—strength, wisdom, peace, forgiveness, endurance, and more. The scriptures are included so you’re not scrambling to look them up, and there’s space for you to write down your reflections, prayers, or whatever the Lord is whispering to your heart that day.
No pressure. Just presence.
What Makes the 30-Day Prayer Journal Unique
It’s simple and structured. You don’t have to come up with the words; each page offers a biblically grounded prayer and a short passage to reflect on.
It’s heart-centered. These are not surface-level prompts. We go deep into the spaces of motherhood where we often feel unseen or weary. This journal acknowledges those hard places and invites God into them.
It meets you where you are. Whether you have five minutes or fifty, you can use this journal. No guilt, no shame, no “catching up.” Just pick up where you left off.
Some of the Themes You’ll Pray Through:
Gratitude (Psalm 100:4–5)
Strength (Isaiah 40:31)
Guidance (Proverbs 3:5–6)
Wisdom (James 1:5)
Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6)
Endurance (2 Timothy 2:12)
Love (1 Corinthians 13:4–7)
Faith (Matthew 17:20)
Your children (Acts 16:31)
Anxiety (Philippians 4:6–7)
Each prayer is short but powerful. It speaks to the real-life challenges we face as moms when we feel like we’re failing, when our patience runs dry, when we just need to be reminded that we are not alone.
A Gentle Invitation
Let me be honest with you: there’s no perfect way to pray. But there is power in consistency. Power in coming back, again and again, to sit at the feet of Jesus—even if your prayers are whispered between diaper changes or while you’re waiting in the school pickup line.
The 30-Day Prayer Journal won’t fix everything overnight. But it will draw you closer to the Lord. It will build a rhythm. And that rhythm? It has the power to change everything.
Because when you stay anchored in prayer, even the messiest days have purpose.
So, if your soul craves stillness and your heart longs for more than survival mode, this journal is for you.
Let’s walk these 30 days together.
You don’t have to do it perfectly. You have to show up. ~connie
Grab your copy of the 30-Day Prayer Journal at www.conniealbers.com and reclaim your prayer life one page at a time.
💛 You’ve got this, mama. And more importantly, God’s got you.
If you or your child struggles to stay motivated as the school year winds down, you’re not alone. As the finish line approaches, it’s easy to feel drained, distracted, and ready to check out completely.
Senioritis survival is a real challenge, and it doesn’t just affect high school seniors—it can impact middle schoolers, college students, and even parents trying to keep their kids on track.
The good news? Senioritis doesn’t have to squelch the excitement of finishing the school year. With the right mindset and a few simple strategies, you or your child can regain focus, stay engaged, and finish the year with confidence. Let’s start with the most critical step—resetting your mindset.
However, how you finish matters—not just for grades but for building confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic that will carry into the next season of life. The good news? You don’t have to let senioritis win. With the right mindset and a few practical strategies, you can stay engaged, push through the final stretch, and end the year feeling accomplished.
Reset Your Senioritis Survival Mindset
How we think about a challenge changes how we handle it. If your child (or you!) is stuck in the “I don’t care anymore” mindset, it’s time for a reset. Remind them why finishing strong matters—not just for grades but for their own confidence, pride, and future opportunities.
Clearly and carefully discuss how a simple shift in thinking can change perspective.
Talk about what’s ahead. Whether it’s earning a scholarship, getting into college, or simply ending the year with no regrets, keeping the big picture in focus helps.
Break the workload into bite-sized pieces. Big assignments feel overwhelming, but small steps feel doable.
Encourage perseverance. Kids have been learning about hard work and determination their whole lives—now’s the time to use those skills!
💡 Once their mindset shifts, staying motivated becomes easier. But we also need to make studying more engaging…
Make Studying More Engaging
Let’s be honest—staring at a textbook for hours is not motivating. But with some creativity, studying can feel less like a chore and more like a challenge.
Switch up the location. Studying in a different room, a coffee shop, or even outside can bring a fresh perspective.
Turn assignments into a game. Turn on a timer and “race the clock” to complete tasks.
Use creative study tools. Flashcards, voice-to-text notes, or studying with a friend can make learning more interactive and fun.
💡 Keeping things fresh helps, but staying organized and avoiding procrastination is just as important…
Stay Organized & Avoid Procrastination
When everything feels overwhelming, it’s easy to avoid it altogether. But staying organized relieves that stress and gives kids a sense of control.
Here are three ways parents, teachers, and advisors can help their high schoolers or college students:
Make a simple priority list. Writing things down helps students see what really needs to get done.
Tackle the hardest task first. Waiting until the last minute could mean losing an opportunity—so get it out of the way!
Use time blocks. Working for 30-45 minutes, then taking a short break, helps keep focus sharp.
💡 Getting organized is key, but accountability and encouragement can make all the difference…
Stay Accountable & Reward Progress
No one likes to feel like they’re in this alone. A little encouragement and support can go a long way in keeping students on track. Instead of arguing and nagging, try these practical ways to help your child stay motivated and celebrate wins:
Check-in with teachers or advisors. A quick conversation can provide clarity on what’s needed to finish strong.
Set up daily or weekly check-ins. Whether it’s a parent, a friend, or a mentor, having someone ask, “How’s it going?” makes a big impact.
Celebrate small wins. A finished project? That deserves a treat. A tough test completed? A little reward is in order!
💡 Finishing strong isn’t about being perfect—it’s about doing your best and ending the year with no regrets.
Final Thoughts: The Effort is Worth It
In summary, surviving senioritis might make the last weeks of school feel endless, but you can push through. By shifting your mindset, making studying more engaging, staying organized, and leaning on accountability, you can finish the year feeling proud, strong, and ready for what’s next.
