This week on Our Perspective, Hal and Chrissy join us for a real and honest conversation about raising a family through infertility, foster care, adoption, and unexpected transitions — all while keeping Jesus at the center of their home.

We talk about the grief and growth that came through infertility, what led them to open their home to fostering, and how they intentionally helped their children navigate change, build compassion, and feel secure through it all. From difficult parenting moments to seeing God’s faithfulness in the middle of uncertainty, this episode is a powerful reminder that God often shapes our families in ways we never planned.

If you’ve ever walked through disappointment, wrestled with fear as a parent, or wondered how to raise bold followers of Jesus in the middle of real life, this conversation will encourage you deeply. Connect with Our Perspective: 💛 Instagram: @ourperspective.podcast 💛 Patricia: @patricia_6710 💛 Mary Grace: @_marygrace_d 💛 Hal Mayer: @halmayer4 💛 Chrissy Mayer: @chrissymmayer

In Part 2 of our conversation with Rachel and Jonathan from the Not a Bad Parent Podcast, we dive into one of the most important conversations a parent can have: identity.

In a world constantly telling our kids who they should be, how they should look, and how they should measure up, how do we help them hear God's voice above all the noise?

This episode explores how our own identity impacts the way we parent, why understanding how God uniquely wired each child matters, and how parents can learn to call out the gifts, strengths, and purpose God has placed inside their children.

We discuss: • Why helping kids understand their identity makes them more resilient and confident • The danger of comparing our children to others • How our own wounds and false identities affect our parenting • The power of "calling out the gold" in our kids • Why encouragement can shape a child's future • The role of community in helping children discover who they are • How to recognize and nurture your child's God-given gifts • The importance of hearing God's voice as parents

One of the most powerful reminders from this conversation is that we cannot help our children know who they are until we are continually learning who God says we are.

If you've ever wondered how to raise confident, secure, faith-filled kids in today's culture, this episode is for you.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with another parent who needs encouragement.

Connect with Rachel & Jonathan Podcast: Not a Bad Parent Podcast

Books & Resources Mentioned

Fearless Living by Jamie Winship

The Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis

Key Questions Discussed in This Episode • Who is God to you? • Who are you in God? • What has He given you to do right now?

These simple but powerful questions can transform the way you see yourself, your children, and your purpose.

Every child is uniquely designed by God and sometimes that design looks very different from our own.

In this episode of Our Perspective, Jonathan and Rachael Starrett share what they’ve learned about parenting children with different personalities, communication styles, interests, and ways of seeing the world. It’s easy to connect with kids who think like we do, but what happens when they don’t?

Together, we talk about the importance of leaning in instead of pulling away, choosing curiosity over frustration, and intentionally creating space for our children to be who God made them to be.

We discuss how as parents we need to selflessly lean out from our own preferences and learn the language of our child, and build strong connections that prevent distance and misunderstanding.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from one of your children or wondered how to better understand them, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, get curious, and pursue connection. Because some of the most beautiful parent-child relationships are built when we choose to lean in, especially when it’s not easy.