Representation For All The United States of America has an Emancipation Proclamation. Did you know that we are the only nation that has one? Not only that, the USA is the only nation that fought a war to end the practice of slavery. You may not be familiar with these facts, because they are often overlooked and underreported. Today you will hear, however, from plenty of false prophets on the topic of representation and racism. Discussing the Truth of American History with Bob Woodson That’s the voice of Bob Woodson, author of the book Red, White, and Black; Rescuing American History from Revisionists and Race Hustlers. Last week with spoke with Bob Woodson on Part I of our II part series. This message is a timely one for us as parents, as well as citizens alike in a culture that tells us that we are a systemic racist society. Why History Matters Episode Highlights: What is the definition of racism? What is CRT (Critical Race Theory)? How can we discuss racism productively in today’s culture? What do I do if my child is being taught CRT? Is there an alternative curriculum to CRT that promotes facts & representation? Why is it so important for the truth to be spoken about race? Image from Canva

Trace Embry | License to Parent

What is CRT with Robert (Bob) Woodson

Racism in America There are seemingly simple questions reeling through our teen’s minds. These questions should be obvious and fundamental. Things like “am I a boy?” “am I a girl?” “Does my skin make me inferior?” “Am I a racist and I don’t even realize it?” “Is my country racist?” This is a confusing time for teens and children. Our kids’ values, worldviews, and brain matter are still being developed. Their security, identity, and emotional and spiritual wellbeing are all being established. Imagine how frustrating and confusing it is for teens today when basic truths of life are being questioned, especially in a time when mental illness is becoming an epidemic. Is our country actually becoming more divided before our eyes? Is your child racist? Are you? Today we look at who, what, and where we are as a people. Is it possible to be a redemptive people living in a redemptive nation? Discussing Systemic Racism with Bob Woodson Robert (Bob) Woodson is an American civil rights activist, community development leader, author, and founder and president of the Woodson Center. He is among a collection of prominent and respected black scholars and thinkers that reject the false narrative of history in our society today. They have come together to correct the record and try to tell the true story of black Americans in all its complexity, diversity of experience, and poignancy. Collectively they paint a picture of black people living the very grand American experience, however bumpy that road may be along the way. But rather than being apart, he sees blacks as woven into this nation and what makes it unique. Mr. Woodson has curated and edited a collection of essays on this subject in a brand new book entitled, Red, White, and Black: Rescuing American History from Revisionists and Race Hustlers. In addition to his book, he has dedicated his life to assisting low-income families transcending impoverished conditions. He has written extensively on this topic in his book, “Lessons from the Least of These” and “The Triumphs of Joseph: How today’s community healers are reviving our streets and neighborhoods.” Red, White & Black Episode Highlights: Why is it essential for parents to be educated in civil rights? What is the 1776 Unites Campaign? Why do children today seem hopefully? What is systemic racism? What critical crisis exists in America today? Is there a difference between equity and equality? Image from Canva

What is Systemic Racism with Robert (Bob) Woodson

Empowering Parents If you missed Part I of our two-part series with Kimball Lewis, go back now and listen in. As a parent today, do you feel stuck? Do you feel that your teen is continually rebelling against you and your spouse? Have you reached your wits end? If you just aren’t sure what to do anymore or how to handle what’s going on in your home then this message is for you. Listen in as we discuss how to regain power in your home and experience healthy parent-teen interactions. Discussing Practical Parenting with Kimball Lewis Kimball Lewis is an executive who spent his career using research and technology to improve the lives of individuals and businesses. He began his career as a health, welfare and child policy researcher for a leading public policy think tank in Washington. He then served as a technologist and executive in his series of successful healthcare start-up businesses before joining empoweringparents.com. Experiencing Change at Home Episode Highlights: Do you find yourself arguing with your teen? Do you know why? Can parents simply “walk away” from an argument? What is training? Is this a good or bad thing? Discover the “why trap.” What power do words hold? What is self esteem? Is it really good for our kids? Image from Canva

The Role of the Parents with Kimball Lewis

The Nature of Children Rebellion is just part of our child’s nature, right? No! If your child is rebellious, sneaky, argumentative, or seems to be lying about just about everything, then this episode of License to Parent is for you. Wouldn’t it be such a relief to see a total transformation in your child? Image feeling empowered as a parent to see a true and lasting change that positively impacts your entire family. It’s possible. Today we speak with expert Kimball Lewis on the emerging issues we see in our children today. While some of this information is practical, you’ll be surprised that it feels like a brand new revelation! Discussing Practical Parenting with Kimball Lewis Kimball Lewis is an executive who spent his career using research and technology to improve the lives of individuals and businesses. He began his career as a health, welfare, and child policy researcher for a leading public policy think tank in Washington. He then served as a technologist and executive in his series of successful healthcare start-up businesses before joining empoweringparents.com. He began as the CEO there in 2017 as he continues the work of James Leeman offering practical advice to parents struggling with some of the most challenging child behavior issues. Mr. Lewis resides in Florida with his wife and two teenage sons of his own. A Total Transformation Episode Highlights: Why is authority within the household important? Is too much structure dangerous to kids? What is a reasonable rule? How can we come up with and determine rules for our family? Do we as parents have responsibility to our society? How do I help my child when I don’t like them right now? Image from Canva

Transforming Our Teens with Kimball Lewis

Living Out the Faith Last time on License to Parent we heard from Dave Glander. Dave talked about how people oftentimes confuse condoning and validating with loving someone as Christ. Just because we choose to walk with someone doesn’t mean we are accepting their decisions. “I can love anyone through any circumstance, but that doesn’t mean that I need to show them I’m accepting that.” Dave explains that he has many people that he ministers to that differ in their faith and lifestyle. “I have gay people that I minister to all the time and they know where I stand and we respect each other.” Everyone was created in the image of God and we should respect them as human beings and individuals. But that doesn’t mean we need to condone or validate sin. “I can walk with them, hold their hand, pray with them and love them, but at no point am I risking my Christianity to say I'm validating or accepting what you’re doing. There is a big difference.” Discussing Apologetics with Dave Glander Dave was a devout atheist prior to experiencing a radical encounter with Jesus Christ and he is now a deeply committed believer both in Christ and in the Bible. Dave has been a pastor for many years. He is the founder of an apologetics youth summer camp called Equip Retreat. Today we continue our conversation with Dave on equipping our children to defend a biblical worldview with science, history, and the ability to reason. If you missed Part I of this two-part series, be sure to listen to How, Why, and Where With Dave Glander. The Importance of a Biblical Worldview Episode Highlights: What does it mean to have a biblical worldview? Why is a biblical worldview so critical in today’s culture? Do miracles actually happen? Is critical thinking essential? What is the enemy’s playbook? Why should children (and adults) be educated on opposing viewpoints? Image from Canva

Why They Believe What They Believe with Dave Glander

Truth is on Your Side Unfortunately, many churches today are struggling to instill biblical values into our kids. Some may argue that this is the reason that the church is so openly attacked and discriminated against. But what if we were actually describing the marginalization of churchgoers adhering to a biblical worldview? As parents, it is our God-given assignment to instill into our kids the values of Scripture. We must be intentional about teaching our children how to defend their faith, providing them with the tools that they need in order to understand and support the truth. The good news is that logic, science and history are on our side, and it is possible to construct a cogent argument for what we believe. Easy enough right? Now make sure that as we help our kids grow in truth and knowledge that they also grow as respected witnesses to the character and power of Jesus Christ. Sound overwhelming? Perhaps it is. But you are not alone. With the power of God, and the help of today’s guest, you will be encouraged to be steadfast in the word of God knowing that truth is on your side. Discussing How, Why & Where with Dave Glander Dave was a devout atheist prior to experiencing a radical encounter with Jesus Christ and he is now a deeply committed believer both in Christ and in the Bible. Dave has been a pastor for many years. He is the founder of an apologetics youth summer camp called Equip Retreat. He’s also the author of Faith Survival Guide and the book we want to talk about today called How, Why, and Where? Faith & Questions Episode Highlights: What are the “Big Questions?” What does it mean to practice? How can our kids practice their faith at home? What is the power of personal testimony? How is being real with our kids more powerful than being perfect? How can parents discern and teach truth in today’s culture? What difference can the gospel actually make today? Image from Canva

Asking the Big Questions with Dave Glander

Will They Stand? Without question, as a parent, you would do everything in your power to stop the abuse and prevent any further harm. You would teach your kids warning signs, how to fight back, and how to get as far away from the evils as possible. When we think of abuse we often think of physical or sexual abuse. But there are many other forms such as emotional and spiritual abuse. But what about secularism? Depravity? Immorality? Apathy? These things are all real, dangerous, and all around us. While moral relativism says it’s ok, Christians who say otherwise are often considered intolerant or hateful. Unfortunately, as parents today we have let our guard down. Rather than standing strong and teaching our kids the absolute values and biblical principles we know, we’ve let culture slide in. Is it any wonder then that so many kids are losing their faith altogether? We are the closest representation of Christ our kids have. If we don’t stand strong, who will? Discussing Strengthening the Family with Ken Ham Ken Ham is the CEO and Founder of Answers in Genesis and the High-tech Creation Center and Museum located in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, and the visionary behind “Ark Encounter” located in Kentucky. Ken is a biblical apologist and his work addresses such topics as the reliability of the Bible, how compromise over biblical authority undermines society. He’s the author of a number of books including Already Gone, The Lie Evolution, and Gospel Reset. Most recently he wrote the book Will They Stand, and it addresses today’s topic head-on. Will our children be equipped to stand strong against cultural giants that previous generations never imagined, or will our kids be overcome? Back to the Beginning Episode Highlights: How can we as parents raise children strong in their faith? What does it look like to stand strong in today’s culture? What does church attendance tell us about the state of our nation? Does moral relativism impact the church? How? What is the authority of the bible? How do we pass this on to our children? How does Genesis play a role in answering culture related questions today? Image from Canva

Standing Strong with Ken Ham

Wrapping Up 2021 As followers of Christ, we do trust in something. We trust in the eternal God who created all things, including us, and has our best interests at heart even more than we do. In addition to connecting the dots, looking back also reminds us of the many things we have to be thankful for. To me, a thankful heart is what gives me a better ability to look to the future with hope. If God was faithful to take care of me in the past, He will be faithful in the future as well. As we end the year 2021 at License to Parent we are going to be looking back, looking forward, and connecting some dots in the coming year. Discussing the Residential Program of SHA with Trace Embry Trace Embry is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Shepherd’s Hill Academy in Martin, GA. Trace, along with his wife Beth (co-founder) has a heart and a passion for helping hurting teens and their families. Shepherd's Hill Academy was founded in 1994 in Martin, GA, where it has grown to serve families from virtually every state and across the world. Along with being an entrepreneur and prominent business owner, Trace served as a Police Officer in their hometown after graduating from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1978. Trace and Beth felt the Lord’s prompting to full-time ministry and attended college at Toccoa Falls College, in Toccoa Falls, GA, and pursued other extensive training to prepare them for working with troubled teens. Trace is also the Host of the License to Parent radio program. Connecting the Dots Episode Highlights: What does a year in the life at Shepherd’s Hill Academy look like? How would you define the program at SHA? How is SHA unique from other programs? What does the outdoor aspect entail? How does SHA deal with consequences? What is the goal of the unique features and unplugged environment of Shepherd’s Hill Academy? How does the group dynamic at SHA work? Image from Canva

The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill Part II with Trace Embry

A Look Back on the Blessings This is actually part of a whole series of miracles that included prophecies, a virgin birth, angelic warnings, protection from a wicked ruler set out to kill the newborn king, and so much more. We celebrate this series of miracles each Christmas as we proclaim the birth of Jesus Christ. Today on License to Parent we want to tell you about some more miracles. In fact, these are miracles that have happened during the past year! The Miracles of Shepherd's Hill. We hope that by sharing these stories you may be blessed and may also gain a better understanding of what we do here and why we do what we do on License to Parent. You’ll also get a glimpse into what God is doing day in and day out at our year-long residential therapeutic program for teens in crisis; Shepherd’s Hill Academy. Discussing the Many Blessings Miracles with Trace Embry Trace Embry is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Shepherd’s Hill Academy in Martin, GA. Trace, along with his wife Beth (co-founder) has a heart and a passion for helping hurting teens and their families. Shepherd's Hill Academy was founded in 1994 in Martin, GA, where it has grown to serve families from virtually every state and across the world. Along with being an entrepreneur and prominent business owner, Trace served as a Police Officer in their hometown after graduating from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1978. Trace and Beth felt the Lord’s prompting to full-time ministry and attended college at Toccoa Falls College, in Toccoa Falls, GA, and pursued other extensive training to prepare them for working with troubled teens. Trace is also the Host of the License to Parent radio program. Inside the Gates of Shepherds Hill Academy Episode Highlights: Listen in the real-life examples of a miracle student whose life was transformed at Shepherd’s Hill Academy How has the future been shaped and lives transformed by a small program in Martin, GA? What are the prayers of Shepherd’s Hill? What is the goal of License to Parent? How does the work of SHA impact the entire family? How can I get a copy of The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill? Image from Canva

The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill with Trace Embry

Entertainment in Today's Culture First, we were able to teach our kids how to assimilate into the culture. This was due to the cultural norms of the day. These norms tended to line up with a biblical worldview, for the most part, and even unbelievers accepted them. Those who strayed from the norms still knew the difference between right and wrong. They simply chose to do wrong. Even hardened criminals of the day viewed people of faith as those to be respected and even emulated. Today, we’ve lost our common understanding of right and wrong. That means that as Christian parents, our culture no longer backs us up. God is now frowned upon, openly mocked, and depending on how you live out your faith can even get you arrested. Today on License to Parent we look deeper into the entertainment side of our culture. How much has this shift had to do with the entertainment we have today? Could changing our entertainment habits at home allow us to better raise kids who are empowered to influence culture? Discussing Entertainment in Culture with Adam Holz Adam Holz oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In reviews as the website director. His official title at Plugged In is the Director of Media at Focus on the Family. Adam and his wife Jennifer have three children of their own, all in their teen years. In their free time, Adam and his family choose entertainment options of playing games, playing musical instruments, swimming, and watching movies. Entertainment Tips for Christian Families Episode Highlights: What is Plugged In? How is it beneficial to families? How does Plugged In review & offer insight to parents? How do we know what to embrace in our culture? Is it ok to have cable/dish/streaming services as a Christian family? How has entertainment changed over the years? How has streaming impacted this? How does entertainment take creative liberties to continue to push the envelope? Image from Canva

Plugged In to Cultural Norms with Adam Holz

Making a Change Today we engage in Part II of that conversation. If you missed Part I with Eric, you can listen to it online. Discussing a Changing America with Eric Holmberg Eric Holmberg is the Founder and President of Reel to Real Ministries. He’s also with the Apologetics Group, an ordained minister, an author, speaker, and video documentarian. The American Way & Our Role as Parents Episode Highlights: How can we impact change in our own communities? Does relocation impact American thought? What does creation tell us about our culture? What does it mean to be woke? How do hierarchies impact our lives? Our culture? How can we prepare our kids to live and find love today? Image from Canva

A Reset of Culture with Eric Holmberg

The Divine Reset As children and teens, the world we experienced back then seemed to be much more straightforward. For the most part, our culture tended to agree on what was right and what was wrong; even if some chose not to follow the rules. Enter the worldwide web. Screens and keyboards have become a new alter of worship as our kids are learning and discovering the ways of thinking of the masses without a moral lens or perspective. We find that culture today goes against many of the principles of scripture, science, logic, and what we would consider to be common sense. Unfortunately, if you are waiting for a figurehead to take over and lead us back into morality, you may be in for a long wait. Discussing a Different Approach with Eric Holmberg Eric Holmberg is the founder and director of Reel to Real Ministries and the Apologetics group. He’s not only an ordained minister, but he is also an author, speaker, and video documentarian. His work has been featured on a number of broadcasts and web media platforms. His writing has been featured in publications such as Focus on the Family Magazine, Time Magazine, and the American Family Association Journal. Eric’s work covers everything from revival to rap music and from science to sex; helping to bring a biblical worldview to the conversation and ultimately transform lives. He is working on a new project called “The Divine Reset: America 2.0.” Woke or Awakened Episode Highlights: What is meant by a divine reset? Is there a culture war? Are we winning or losing? How is culture impacting and influencing our children? What is courage and what role does it play today? How can parents practice and exhibit courage? What happens when we live differently? Image from Canva

America 2.0 with Eric Holmberg

Never Knowing a Time Without Tech A generation ago, raising children was a totally different ballgame! Sure, technology has made our lives (and our parenting journeys) much easier in a lot of ways. But in other ways, technology has made our lives a whole lot more complicated. Some may argue that technology today is hindering parents and their ability to impart, maintain and preserve moral standards, wisdom, and spiritual maturity. We also see that technology has played a role in the decision of young people to leave the church that they once called home. How can we help to guide our children and help them establish a solid biblical worldview? Can we remain relevant in our society today? Is it possible that tech could actually be a part of the solution? Discussing a Life with Tech with John Fuller John Fuller has worked with Focus on the Family for the last three decades. Since 2001 he has been in the co-host seat of the Daily Broadcast with Focus President Jim Daily. That program reaches over 6 million listeners each week. He also hosts Focus on The Family Minute and the podcasts Focus on Marriage and Focus on Parenting. Most Focus programs are available online on Focus Radio. He has written dozens of magazine articles and has also written a book called First Time Dad: The Stuff You Really Need to Know. John and his wife have six children of their own. Offering a Solution Episode Highlights: Why is it so important for parents to first model healthy technology use? How do we equip our kids? How is this different than protecting them? Can technology be used in a positive way to help our kids grow closer to Christ? Are there any resources available to parents that offer guidance on this subject? What role does our lifestyle play in our child’s faith? What is the impact of showing up for our kids? Image from Canva

Training Up Teens in a Tech-Driven World with John Fuller

Leading the Christian Life Well, the Bible is clear that the Christian life will involve warfare. Metaphorically speaking, it refers to putting on the full armor of God. It also uses many other analogies of war that describe our role in advancing God’s kingdom. In fact, Jesus himself describes his kingdom as something to be entered rather forcefully. Some English translations even use the word “violently”. Furthermore, Jesus said that he came not to bring peace, but a sword, and yet Scripture calls him the “Prince of Peace.” Unfortunately these days many people confuse peacemaking with peacekeeping. Discussing Fighting Back with Sam Sorbo Sam Sorbo is a model, actress, homeschool activist, media host, and linguist. She speaks five different languages. She’s a parent and educator who also has a background in biomedical engineering from Duke University. She’s also an author and film producer. She’s the host of the nationally syndicated “The Sam Sorbo Show” and speaks publicly around the country. She has also worked with her husband, Kevin Sorbo, on recent films, Let There Be Light and Miracle in East Texas. Today, Sam discusses her brand new book, “Words for Warriors.” Words for Warriors Episode Highlights: How are words changing and adapting in today’s culture? What is systemic racism and critical race theory? What is an NPC? Why is this important? How can we fight to get our language back? How do we impact our school systems and school board? How are thoughts & ideas created? What is the idea exchange? Image from Canva

Wise Words for Warriors with Sam Sorbo

Suicidal Ideations in Teens Mental illness, addictions of all kinds, self-harm, and suicide are among the most prevalent. Sadly, suicide is now the second leading cause of death today among American teenagers. That is only surpassed by motor vehicle accidents. This is absolutely tragic. Today we speak with one of our friends at Focus on the Family about the topic of suicide and how to keep this epidemic from invading your home. Discussing the Teen Suicide Epidemic with Joannie Debrito Joannie Debrito is part of the counseling team at Focus on the Family and draws from over 30 years of diverse experience as a parent educator, family life educator, school social worker, administrator, and licensed mental health professional. She speaks concerning how we can take an active role in suicide prevention. Her expertise and personal experience, including counseling students and families after the Columbine tragedy, is something we hope will be an encouragement to you. We invite you to not only learn about this but to also take part in the solution. Helping Teens Discover Hope Episode Highlights: What are suicidal ideations? How does this differ from a fleeting thought about suicide? How do suicidal thoughts manifest? What do suicidal teens think about? Do most people consider suicide at some point in their lives? Are suicidal ideations contagious? How can a parent recognize suicidal ideation? What can parents do to help their teen who is exhibiting suicidal tendencies? What resources are available for those struggling with suicidal ideations? Image from Canva

A Reason to Live with Joannie Debrito

Trace Embry Founder of Shepherds Hill Academy

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Trace Embry | License to Parent

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