239 episodes

Welcome to This Grit & Grace Life Podcast, where co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender, along with other strong women (and a few men), bring real answers to the questions women are asking—the simple ones and the more challenging.

No matter where you are—whether that’s in the boardroom, the bedroom, carlines or college, single, married or single again—you can walk in your purpose amid a world that’s ever-changing. We’re here to offer wisdom and encouragement for every step of this grit and grace life. And in our community, perfection is not required.

Produced by This Grit and Grace Project®.

This Grit and Grace Life Darlene Brock & Julie Bender from GritandGraceLife.org

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 4.9 • 155 Ratings

Welcome to This Grit & Grace Life Podcast, where co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender, along with other strong women (and a few men), bring real answers to the questions women are asking—the simple ones and the more challenging.

No matter where you are—whether that’s in the boardroom, the bedroom, carlines or college, single, married or single again—you can walk in your purpose amid a world that’s ever-changing. We’re here to offer wisdom and encouragement for every step of this grit and grace life. And in our community, perfection is not required.

Produced by This Grit and Grace Project®.

    Is Easter the Ultimate Call to Action? – 237

    Is Easter the Ultimate Call to Action? – 237

    Easter isn't all about Peeps and Cadbury eggs, although co-host Julie Bender wouldn't mind one or two! But is Easter the ultimate call to action?



    In this heartfelt podcast episode, Julie and Darlene Brock discuss the significance of Easter, which they recognize as the pinnacle of their faith. But what does it mean to truly observe the holiday? Here, they unpack the meaning of Jesus Christ's brutal death on the cross more than 2,000 years ago and why His suffering, while difficult to think on, is crucial to understanding the scope of His love for us and how we're supposed to live today. You'll see how Jesus' forgiveness even as he was dying models the way we should approach our relationship with others through sacrificial love and grace.



    The message of Easter is one of hope, today and for a lifetime.



    Want to chat with us about Easter or your faith? Send us a note here!



    Quote of the episode:

    “My relationship with Christ is secure because of what he did and [because] I've accepted it. And because of that, I have hope today. I have hope tomorrow. I have hope everyday of this life and for all of eternity." —Darlene Brock

    Resources

    Mentioned



    * Read Peter's account of denying Jesus here

    * Easter, the Best Love Story Ever Told

    * 7 Lessons from Easter You Need All Year Long - 128 



    Related



    * Forgiveness Is the Key to Living a Bitter-Free Life

    * The Hope of Easter Restores All Things





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    • 29 min
    Making the Most of Life – 236

    Making the Most of Life – 236

    Life feeling mundane? It doesn't have to! In fact, it's easier to see the adventure and joys in the everyday than you might think.



    In this episode of This Grit and Grace Life, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender emphasize the importance of making the most of life. They talk through ways to shift your mindset when it comes to your purpose, your relationships, your motherhood and your work so you can more clearly see the value each facet brings. When viewed through this new perspective, the things you may think are annoying and trivial might actually be part of a larger blessing. And when each day seems full of small blessings, it'll be impossible to deny just how special your everyday life really is.



    Quote of the episode:

    “If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side." —Unknown

    Resources

    Mentioned



    * Check out Julie's husband's business here



    Related



    * The Joy Series: Feel Stuck In the Mundane? Unlock Joy In the Everyday

    * A Strong Woman Has These 7 Things On Her Bucket List

    * The Joy Series: Parenting a Teen Is Hard, But I've Found Gratitude Among the Grumbles

    * Where Can I Find the Purpose of Life?

    * Can You Really Enjoy the Little Things In Life?

    * 17 Quotes to Create the Happy Moments Mindset Every Day – 130





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    • 32 min
    Living with Anxiety? Bring It Into the Light and Find Hope with Caroline Beidler – 235

    Living with Anxiety? Bring It Into the Light and Find Hope with Caroline Beidler – 235

    If you're living with anxiety, you know it can be debilitating. A sudden panic or anxiety attack can quickly ruin your day, and over time, it can keep you from pursuing your dreams.



    Caroline Beidler knows what that's like. The author, speaker and recovery advocate recalls bouts of anxiety as a child, which were exacerbated by her parents' divorce and sexual trauma. She began self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, and though she eventually became sober, she found herself still dealing with anxiety decades later and wondering what was wrong.



    In this episode, she sits down with Darlene Brock and Julie Bender to discuss how she learned to practically address anxiety as a woman of faith—and prayer and Scripture are just two parts of the larger picture. She highlights the importance of therapy, building up your circle of support, staying active and openly discussing anxiety and other mental health issues in the church.



     



    Caroline Beidler, BA, MSW is the author of Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery, and she is currently writing her next project, due 2024. 



    A recovery advocate, and founder of the storytelling platform Circle of Chairs. with almost 20 years in leadership within social work and ministry Caroline is currently a consultant with JBS International, writing and creating content for several federal agencies. She is also the founder and host of the annual International Women’s Day Global Recovery Event. 



    Caroline lives in Tennessee with her husband and twins where she enjoys hiking in the mountains and building up her community’s local recovery ministry.



    Quote of the episode:

    “Being human is about recognizing and acknowledging our weakness. But what's beautiful is that God works in that place." —Caroline Beidler

    Resources

    Mentioned



    * Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery

    * Self-Care Is an Act of Radical Love for Mommas

    * How to Use 4-7-8 Breathing for Anxiety



    Related



    Ask Dr. Zoe – Coping With Anxiety Biblically

    * Drinking Excessively? Here Are 8 Healthier Coping Strategies for Women

    * A Breath Prayer to Calm Your Mind and Body

    Can Faith Bring Hope to Everything—Even Anxiety?

    * Ask Dr. Zoe – What Is Normal Anxiety & When Should I Seek Help?





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    Pinteres...

    • 38 min
    Never Settle Again—Advice for Any Relationship – 234

    Never Settle Again—Advice for Any Relationship – 234

    Love is in the air! Maybe you're in a loving relationship and feel giddy at the mere mention of love, or maybe you're on the hunt for that special someone. No matter your relationship status, one thing is certain: Don't settle for less!



    In this podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender discuss how our expectations for love compare to our current relationships or what we want in a man. They explain why you should trust the process (and your gut!) and not rush anything, and how to celebrate and honor a healthy relationship. They also share their favorite relationships advice and 14 quick ways to tell if your man is worthy of your love, so you never settle again!



    Quote of the episode:

    “When you're dating someone, go to [1 Corinthians 13:4-7] and put their name in. 'Is Bob kind? Is Bob loving? Is Bob patient?' That's going to be very telling." —Darlene Brock

    Resources

    Mentioned



    * Is Your Man a Keeper? Here’s How to Be Sure – 214

    * I Thought He’d Propose on Valentine’s Day—He Broke Up Instead

    *

    My Boyfriend Brings Me Flowers, Is That Enough?





    Related



    * How to Avoid the Wrong Guy: A Checklist for Strong Women

    * Is It Time to Break Up With Your Guy? This Is How to Do It





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    • 27 min
    Need a Laugh? You’ll Relate to These Funny Phrases – 233

    Need a Laugh? You’ll Relate to These Funny Phrases – 233

    Want a good laugh? Well, you're in for a treat!



    In this lighthearted episode of This Grit and Grace Life, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender bring back an older episode where they discuss the importance of finding humor in life—and they do it by sharing several listener-submitted memes and funny phrases on topics like relationships and motherhood that will make you chuckle. And more likely than not, you'll relate to many of them.



    Quote of the episode:

    “You never realize how many people you don't like until it's time to name your baby."

    Resources

    Mentioned



    * When to Leave an Unhealthy Relationship with Your Man with Dr. Zoe Shaw – 024

    * Dating? What to Look for in a Man - 073





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    • 27 min
    Is My Teen Out of Control or Is This Normal? with Dr. Zoe Shaw – 232

    Is My Teen Out of Control or Is This Normal? with Dr. Zoe Shaw – 232

    "Is my teen out of control, or is this normal behavior? At one point do I need to begin enforcing changes?"



    These questions often consume moms of teens and preteens, and on this throwback episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender ask psychotherapist and relationship coach Dr. Zoe Shaw for advice. Dr. Zoe discusses how to approach privacy and your teen's internet and social media use; how to recognize which moments you should step aside and allow your teen to make mistakes, and when it's time for you to intervene; and



    If you have a teen (or will soon), this episode is filled with the answers to some your most pressing motherhood questions.







    Dr. Zoe Shaw is a passionate practitioner in the field of clinical psychology. She is licensed as a psychotherapist and divides her time between her family life, clinical practice, virtual life, and relationship coaching, speaking, writing and hosting her podcast. You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as her podcast, Stronger in the Difficult Places.



    Submit a question to our free Ask Dr. Zoe column.



    Quote of the episode:

    “We take it personally when it's not personal; it's their development.” —Dr. Zoe Shaw

    Resources

    Related



    * The Joy Series: Parenting a Teen Is Hard, But I've Found Gratitude Among the Grumbles

    * 5 Verses to Help You Survive the Teenage Years

    * It Feels Like My Teen Is Rejecting Me, But I Know It's Something Else 



    Check out these other podcast episodes with Dr. Zoe



    * Why Hasn't Your Boyfriend Proposed or Set the Date? - 180

    * How to Find Peace and Purpose In an Out-of-Control World - 164

    * How to Make Self-Care Part of Your Life - 155



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Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
155 Ratings

155 Ratings

Llllmmmmhhhhh ,

I love this podcast!

First off, it is my HONOR to write this review. I absolutely LOVE this podcast. I first “met” Julie on Instagram. I immediately knew that I liked her! Then, I found out about this podcast, and the rest is history! If you have not listened to it yet, listen to it right now!

SeekingHOPE&FAITH ,

Just what I needed to hear

I stumbled across this podcast and I KNOW it was literally GOD sent🙌🏼🙏...He knew I needed to hear this and hear more of what grit & grace has to share, THANK you so much for this, my morning started out dark, but I feel so much better after hearing this podcast, can’t wait for more ❤️

Sunshine lady 14 ,

I am proud of this podcast!

I love this podcast! I’ve been listening to day one! Both ladies are a blessing to listen to weekly and I also listen to the recap of what the show is about or what an upcoming show might be about to make sure I tune in to listen to them. The generational perspectives are spot on in this podcast.I truly appreciate it!

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