Stay ConnectedTwo women. Two generations. Each with a mic and lots to talk about.
Hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender dive into honest, funny, and practical conversations about bridging faith with today’s cultural realities. They ask the hard questions and unpack what it looks like to bring smart living to a modern world—without losing your mind (or your sense of humor).
Expect laughter, gentle truth-telling, and the kind of advice you’d actually text a friend about
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2020—the year none of us expected. The fear, isolation, and division created have left us feeling lost and even hopeless. But we don’t have to stay here. At Grit and Grace Life, we believe in community, we believe in us. In this episode, Julie and Darlene step back to revisit the things that will sustain us—rebuilding a community of women who value one another and believe in unity, removing fear, and replacing it with hope. If we could look you in the eyes (over your mask), we would encourage you to remove yourself from the news of today, embracing hope for the future. We’d also remind you that to make that future bright, it takes every one of us. You are the one who can change the world; you can be a light in these dark times. Your life matters. Be part of a community of women who can turn the tide, even in the waves that feel insurmountable. We are stronger together as we choose not only to live this 2020 Grit and Grace Life but also to make it count. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love What Does It Mean to Be a Virtuous Woman? Working on the back end of Grit and Grace Life has lots of perks. I get to Read more 6 Things to Treasure About Pandemic Life I’ve learned in life that it is really important to look back. To reflect. To pay attention. While COVID-19 Read more How to Become a Better Listener in 5 Simple Steps I am a mom of three children under the age of 10, so I’ve seen pretty much every animated Read more 7 Castles That Will Make Your Fairy-Tale Wedding Dreams Come True Have you always dreamed of tying the knot in a fairy-tale castle? Perhaps the current situation with traveling restrictions Read more Quote of the episode: "Living a life of grace takes an enormous amount of strength and a boatload of tenacity." Darlene Brock Check out these episodes we mentioned: 4 Realistic Ways to Shift Your Mindset in 2020 – 115, You Are More Inspiring Than You Think – 141, and How to Get Over the Pandemic That’s Not Over – 139 Be sure to follow us on social media!
Every woman has a story. You may not think so but, whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or have all the letters behind your name, your journey can always impact someone else. We need each other. When we share life by telling our story, we're offering our hard-earned wisdom to uplift each other. It is in these moments when our grit radiates grace. Your past struggles are precisely what another woman is going through today. It is you she can look to right now in the difficulty; it is your journey that will help her believe she can and will get to the other side, stronger. But before you can inspire someone else, you need to know this is true! Darlene Brock and Julie Graham discuss this life reality, stressing the importance of self-love, and share how you can start believing in yourself. This episode will unpack why these tenants of grit and grace allow every woman’s life to inspire others. Don't miss Julie's video on self-love: Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Why I Started Praying for Your Husband Daily I have a heart for marriage. Always have. Since I was a little girl (without a mom, dad, or Read more Every Woman Is Unique, but This Is What We All Struggle With I have spent the last four years of my career mentoring women through online health groups and business coaching. Read more How to Stay Fit (Mind, Body and Soul) While Staying Put I’m writing this from inside the back hatch of my SUV inside my garage. My son is playing in Read more From a Therapist: This Is Why Your Self-Talk Matters Most people get it wrong when they think about who their greatest influence is. It’s not your mom, your Read more Quote of the episode: "Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else's survival guide."-Morgan Harper Nichols =Follow us on Instagram!Check out these episodes we mentioned: About Us – 000 and Women and Judgment: Why We Do It and How to Stop – 057 Be sure to follow us on social media!
You’ve been dating your boyfriend forever, and it doesn’t look like he’s ever going to propose. You’re ready to take the next step, but what if he’s not? He may tell you there’s no rush, you love each other, and everything is good just like it is. Or, that your relationship doesn’t need that piece of paper to be a real commitment. Maybe you are engaged, but that wedding date remains in the elusive distant future. You’re not alone! So, how long should you wait? Dr. Zoe Shaw joins co-hosts, Darlene Brock and Julie Graham, to answer these questions and more. She offers us six signs that he’s not ready to take the next step and advice on how to make an ultimatum (and walk away if that time comes). You have every right to want to be married. We hope that this episode will give you the encouragement and confidence you or someone you know needs to leave the never-fiancée or forever-fiancée status behind. You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as her podcast, Redefining Your Superwoman. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Is Marriage Just a Piece of Paper? or Is It Something More? It appears a lot of women are waiting for their man to propose. They have been a couple for Read more From a Therapist: This Is Why Your Self-Talk Matters Most people get it wrong when they think about who their greatest influence is. It’s not your mom, your Read more These 10 Red Flags in Dating Should Make You Run Listen, I know it’s 2020. But the other day, I started watching The Hills. Before you click off, let Read more If You Wait for Marriage, Will Your Sex Life Be Boring? So, a client got me thinking. He was discussing waiting until marriage to have sex. He expressed his respect for Read more Quote of the episode: "Love is no good reason to get married. Lack of love is no good reason to get divorced." -Dr. Zoe Shaw Check out these episodes we mentioned:
2020 has not gone as hoped. We anticipated "clear vision" and big revelations...not fear, isolation, and a complete disruption of life as we know it. Even though we have to stay stuck in this rut a little longer, there is a way to let this modern-day plague propel us forward. Taking with us the lessons we can learn and blessings to gleaned from this unprecedented time in history. If we look to the bright side, the quarantine did give us all a forced fresh-start. Perhaps through deepened relationships, or finally having time to recognize what part of life was draining. You've come to realize the importance of what you miss the most, as well as recognize those things that this season freed you from. It's time to reset, deciding how to fill our lives and schedules going forward. We can even say "no" to what wasn't serving our family or us well. But to do that, resist the temptation to feel guilty for not going back to everything you did before. Darlene and Julie offer simple tools to help adjust to the new "almost post-pandemic" normal, even if it's not over yet. Let's take this slow ramp-up to feel the losses we've experienced while embracing our new balanced grit and grace life when we reach the other side of Covid19. Listen in, get ready to release some of the stress, and find joy again. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love How to Feel Your Emotions in a Healthy Way With Dr. Zoe Shaw We’re likely to bounce between feelings of happiness, sadness, anger, excitement, exhaustion or any number of other emotions every Read more 5 Slogans From AA That Will Make Every Woman Wiser My former chosen method of numbing pain included self-medicating with pills and toxic relationships. It’s taken years, open sharing Read more How to Create More Balance in Your Life “Finding more balance” didn’t make it on my list of goals last year, but it’s near the top of Read more 4 Reasons Why Being Selfish Is Best for Everyone I was silent as the impassioned tone on the other end of the phone grew in volume. She named Read more How to Stay Fit (Mind, Body and Soul) While Staying Put I’m writing this from inside t...
We don't often choose the cards life deals us, but we always get to play the hand. At some point, every woman finds herself in a place she didn't plan to be. Youthful dreams and expectations are often interrupted by challenging circumstances, blindsiding you with realities you never saw coming. Inspired by International Widows Day, co-hosts Julie Graham (widowed boy mom from a very dysfunctional childhood) and Darlene Brock (having already played a lot of life's hands) talk about how they’ve learned to take what life gives you. They discuss how tough hands build strong women and the necessity of applying grit and grace to every experience, because each one prepares you for the next. You’ll be encouraged as they confess that yes, unexpected life changes can be painful, but they are not always bad. Sometimes, they open up doors and opportunities that never would have come any other way. So, whatever hand you’re holding, we are here to say it will not defeat or define you. Instead, get your game face on, because this is going to make you a strong woman of grit and grace. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love When You’re Desperate to Know the Reason for Your Pain Friends. I write this with a very heavy heart. Pain. Confusion. Rejection. I want to talk about all of Read more TobyMac’s Son’s Cause of Death Reminds Us That Faith Doesn’t Protect Us From Pain I just read an article that made the cause of TobyMac’s son’s death public. Read more Here Are 5 Ways to Ease Tension in the Midst of a Pandemic “I have too many emotions to count,” I told my therapist a few days ago as we sat looking Read more This Is a Window Into My Widowhood I remember getting the call. “Paul has had an accident and it’s not good. We need to get over Read more Divorce Was Not in the Plan I have walked alongside two ladies I dearly love as they were suffering the heartbreak of divorce. Their disappointment, Read more What Does It Mean to Be a Virtuous Woman?
Have you ever heard it said, “Life imitates art?" American Idol’s Colton Dixon might tell you, “Life creates art.” He and his wife, Annie, join Darlene and Julie for a casual chat about how much of his new music was inspired by life, their experiences as a couple, and the challenges they have faced. You will hear how they met, how they rely on each other during changes in his career, and the most terrifying—being pregnant with twins during a pandemic. The couple shares the personal stories that inspired the music on his new self-titled EP Colton Dixon—including chart-topper, Miracles and why his first love song, Can’t Quit You, finally made it on one of his albums. Annie gives us a glimpse from her perspective behind the scenes of the challenging road as a musician’s wife, applying both grit and grace. Her words are timely in this uncertain season. You’ll fall in love with this couple just like we did, so listen now and be sure to get the music wherever you find your tunes! Be sure to follow them both on social media. Find Colton here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/coltondixon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coltondixonmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColtonDixonMusicVEVO Instagram: https://instagram.com/coltondixonmusic/ And Annie here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anniecog Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrsAnnieDixon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsanniedixon/ Blog: boldlips.org And don't miss the video for Miracles: Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love TobyMac’s Son’s Cause of Death Reminds Us That Faith Doesn’t Protect Us From Pain I just read an article that made the cause of TobyMac’s son’s death public.
Everything we do at This Grit and Grace Life is seeking to understand. It is our goal to humble ourselves and listen, to be able to view the world through others' eyes, all eyes. We wanted to hear a voice from the black community and have a conversation allowing us to learn and understand what we may not. We feel we are in a land of emotional minefields; we want to know why and even more than that as women of faith, learn what we can do to become instruments of racial reconciliation. We are speaking to Dr. Zoe Shaw, a black woman, who is also a psychologist. In this episode she is not here in her professional capacity, but as a woman telling a personal story, her life experience, that of her family and her community. We believe it will be one to gain an honest life view for all who listen. It was for us. Darlene and Julie Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as her podcast, Redefining Your Superwoman. Once her Instagram Live for mothers is available, we will link it here! Zoe recommended you visit brownicity.com for their anti-racism course. She also suggested you visit Right Now Media and look for resources from T.D. Jakes and Tony Evans. We also highly recommend Dorena Williamson's book ColorFull to read with your children. Quote of the episode: "When the body of Christ comes together with one common purpose, we can change the world. We must work together across racial, cultural and socio-economical boundaries to spread the love and hope of Jesus Christ to a dying world." Tony Evans Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
It’s time to get “down and dirty,” or, in other words, have an honest discussion about sex! We’ve brought Dr. Holly Miller (board-certified OB-GYN) back to the show for a real conversation about sexual and reproductive health. Darlene and Julie ask questions you might secretly be wondering and are perhaps even afraid to ask your GYN. So, ladies, we’re “going there,” with questions like: -How do you know if you’re ready to have sex with your partner? -How do you talk about his (or your) STI? -Should intercourse have pain? What do you do if it does? -How do different contraceptives work? -Do you have low libido? What’s normal? -What long-term side effects could you experience after an abortion? We realize that sex is an integral and satisfying part of a healthy relationship, and we believe this episode will answer questions you may not even know you have. Listen in and share it with your friends (they may not say it, but they are asking the same questions, too) you’ll all be glad you did! Find more from Dr. Holly Miller by visiting her practice website here. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Great Sex—What Is It? There seems to be an unending list of articles on the subject of sex, from espousing general attitudes to Read more If You Wait for Marriage, Will Your Sex Life Be Boring? So, a client got me thinking. He was discussing waiting until marriage to have sex. He expressed his respect for Read more Why You Need to Talk to Your Teen Girl About Sex and How to Do It Are you that mom who would rather stick an icepick through your eye than talk to your teen daughter Read more He Brings Me Flowers, but Is That Enough? I have watched as so many women compromise on what they will accept from a man, especially the man Read more 4 Truths About Being Friends With Benefits Before I was married I was FWB (friends with benefits) with a few guys and here’s why: I liked them, Read more Natural Items for the Crunchy Girl (in the Bedroom) Ladies. Let’s be real.
Motherhood has all the feels: pride, joy, fear, accomplishment, worry, and overwhelm (often with a hefty side of mom-guilt). Juggling these terrifying and satisfying waters can be challenging, especially if you want to master motherhood with both Grit and Grace. Real-life moms, Darlene Brock (who’s raised two daughters, now upgraded to Nonie—her fancy title for grandmother) and Julie Graham (widowed boymom in the trenches of single motherhood like many of you) share practical tips to do this. Strong Mama, don’t worry that you’re messing up or that you’re alone. In this episode, Julie and Darlene share hands-on advice on parenting techniques that they learned and have or are using themselves. Things like making quality time with your kids, establishing healthy boundaries, using discipline, and implementing rules and chores (suggested by age groups from toddlers to teens)! Take heart, Mama, we may not have all the answers, but we have several that might help. If you know another mama who needs encouragement, share this show. We’re mommin’ it together with both grit and grace. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Do You Have to Break the Glass Ceiling to Be Strong? “This isn’t what we fought so hard for when we finally broke the glass ceiling, is it?” I heard Read more 50+ Activities for Kids That Are Free or Really Cheap Does anyone else feel like they are spinning in circles in place during this coronavirus Read more When You Want to Completely Change Your Parenting Style When my husband and I became parents, we had big plans about how we were going to mold and Read more Your Bad Kid Doesn’t Make You a Bad Mom You have just received your first phone call, the one every mother dreads and hopes to never receive. The Read more What Your Kids Get When You Let Them Fail I am not letting you off the hook as parents, but we seriously work way too hard sometimes. I’m Read more How to Raise Strong, Confident Daughters With Darlene Brock In
Can you find light in the darkness of depression? The surprising answer is “yes,” as gained from the personal experience of Melissa Maimone, author of The Radiant Midnight: Depression, Grace, and the Gifts of a Dark Place. She joins co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Graham to share what she learned from the many years she spent battling cycles of depression. There are gifts within slowness, solitude, and even sadness. She relates to those who have felt shame over this misunderstood hopelessness, especially as a Christian. She also offers helpful insight on how to love someone who faces this darkness. As all of us are feeling a little “less ourselves” lately, it's is a perfect time to look for a blessing in the difficult days. This is a must-listen if you find yourself in a place of depression or know someone who is; it offers insight into how we can have the grit to provide the grace others might need, not expecting them to “get just over it.” Whether it's you or someone you love facing the battle of depression, this episode will allow you to see that there is light in even the darkest tunnels. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love 5 Things to Do When You Don’t Recognize Yourself We occasionally run into moments in our lives where we don’t recognize ourselves. Some days, these times are courageous, daring, bold! You Read more If Suicide Has Touched Your Life, This Is for You Few things tear more deeply at the heart than the loss of someone to suicide. Read more Here Are 5 Ways to Ease Tension in the Midst of a Pandemic “I have too many emotions to count,” I told my therapist a few days ago as we sat looking Read more How My Husband and I Survived My Affair “How did I get here? This can’t be happening,” these words raced across my mind as I sat in a room Read more Divorce Was Not in the Plan I have walked alongside two ladies I dearly love as they were suffering the heartbreak of divorce. Their disappointment, disbelief, and pain were palpable in every breath they breathed. I know for them this was never the intention when Read more 6 Ways to Love the Addict in Your Life
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