Dealing With Dysfunctional People Over the Holidays

November 19, 2024
00:00 35:17
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The stress of the holidays become amplified when we know we'll spend time among dysfunctional people. As Christ-followers, this can elicit questions and confusion. How can we share the light of Christ in a way that feels emotionally safe? Is there a way to reduce the chaos? Carol's guest Pam Farrel believes, often, there is. In this episode, she shares some strategies she's developed in dealing with an alcoholic father and a mother-in-law with significant mental illness. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

(Check out Faith Over Fear's GodTube Channel: https://www.godtube.com/faith-over-fear/)

Related episode: Dealing with Toxic People with Gary Thomas

Find Pam Farrel at: 

On her website (Love-Wise)

On Facebook

On Amazon

Find Carol McCracken:

On her website 

On Facebook

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Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

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Discussion/Reflective Questions:

  1. What most resonated with you in this episode?
  2. What are some ways you can plan ahead to reduce chaos and stress this holiday season?
  3. What might an escape plan look like in your circumstances and what scenarios might move you to enact follow that plan?
  4. What emotions might you need to work through in order to move from bitterness and healing?
  5. Throughout her discussion, Pam shared how God guided her through her holidays. What is God telling you in regard to how He wants you to engage (or not engage) with certain dysfunctional people this season?
  6. Sometimes God calls us to love up close, and sometimes He encourages us to love people from a distance. Which most applies to your circumstances, and what might this look like?
  7. What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?

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Meet Your Hosts
Jennifer Slattery, founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, is a multi-published author, national speaker, and speaking coach passionate about helping God's children reach their full potential and live fully surrendered to Christ. She is a host on Your Daily Bible Verse and Faith Over Fear. Find her online at https://www.JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com
Carol Ogle McCracken is a fun-loving wedding planner, speaker, Bible teacher, and author who brings to Scripture to inspire a personal, vibrant relationship with Him. Her authentic challenges faced while journeying through alcoholism, raising a child with special needs, and divorce, equip her to teach, entertain and encourage you. Carol currently serves as the Minister of Discipleship at her home church and is a Christian communicator in many different forums, large and small, and especially enjoys teaching at women’s retreats. Her book Wisdom, Where to Find It if You've Lost, Forgotten, or Never Had It was released in November 2020.
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