In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Jennifer Slattery welcomes Christian counselor and author Dr. Kris Reece for a candid conversation about toxic relationships, manipulation, people-pleasing, and the confusion many believers experience when love becomes emotionally draining. Kris shares insights from her personal story and explains why unhealthy relationship patterns can be difficult to recognize, especially for those who have spent years trying to earn approval, keep the peace, or carry responsibility for others.

Together, Jennifer and Kris explore what Scripture teaches about guarding our hearts, setting healthy boundaries, and identifying fear-driven motivations. Listeners will learn how to discern the difference between Christ-led love and unhealthy self-sacrifice, find freedom from people-pleasing, and pursue relationships marked by wisdom, peace, and truth.

Resource Discussed: Breaking the Narcissist's Grip: A Christian’s Guide to Cutting the Strings of Manipulation, Setting Boundaries That Stick, and Reclaiming Your Life From Takers by Kris Reece (Author)

Scriptures Discussed

• Psalm 34:18
• Proverbs 4:23
• 2 Timothy 3:1–5
• 2 Corinthians 10:5
• 1 John 4:18
• 2 Corinthians 9:7
• Matthew 5:37
• Galatians 1:10
• Psalm 139:23–24

Connect with Dr. Kris Reece:

On her website

On Instagram

On Facebook

On YouTube

Follow her work on Amazon

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Without God's perfect love, we cannot be free from condemnation and the bondage that we all face here on earth. But with God, we can live life and live it abundantly. Before knowing the Lord, Marina was living in bondage. Hear Marina’s incredible testimony and the ways God is using her story now as she serves in the Samaritan’s Purse Germany office. This episode was created by Samaritan's Purse and is part of their On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse podcast content, shared with permission.

Resources:

• Listen to “Fighting Spiritual Battles: Human Trafficking in Berlin,” to hear more about Alabaster Jar and how God is transforming hearts amid spiritual darkness.

Marina Nobiling, director of national programs at the Samaritan’s Purse Germany office, shed light on the current cultural and spiritual climate of Germany and talked about the ongoing Samaritan’s Purse projects in the country. There is an immense need for the Gospel to be preached in Germany and for Bible-believing churches to step up and lead.

“We want to stand for the Gospel. We want to stand for Jesus … And we want to show in our programs and projects what it's like to be with Him; to be living with Jesus.” – Marina Nobiling

Before coming to Christ, Marina said she was not merely neutral towards God, she was an enemy. Marina was in bondage—she battled an eating disorder and anxiety for years to the point of planning to take her own life. But when Marina had an encounter with the Lord, everything changed.

“And I had a voice in my head: ‘I want you to live. And you can do it with my help’ … It was beyond any doubt clear. That's Jesus. My whole life I had the wrong thinking. That's not true. God exists.” – Marina Nobiling

Marina went from believing that the Gospel was an old superstition to knocking on the door of the nearest church, asking to be baptized. She was on fire for God. Marina now takes this compassion to the streets of Berlin, ministering to women who are trapped in prostitution. She remembers what it was like to be in bondage and desires for others like her to be free; to be transformed by the love of Christ.

Life can be hard, and Marina still struggles, but she has something to turn to that cannot be shaken: God’s Word. Marina created a “first aid kit” with Psalms and Scriptures that speak to her when she is fighting lies or feeling weighed down by fears. Her favorite verse, Isaiah 43:1, reminds her that she belongs to the Lord—nothing can take that away.

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’” – Isaiah 43:1, ESV

If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of the Faith Over Fear podcast, host Carol McCracken and guest Dr. Marcus Warner discuss how anxiety often points to deeper wounds, fear-based beliefs and unmet needs for connection rather than simply "weak faith." Dr. Warner explains how past pain, isolation, distorted thinking and spiritual struggles can fuel cycles of fear and overthinking, while also offering practical tools to help listeners better understand what their anxiety may be revealing.

Together, they explore practical ways to calm the body, renew the mind and strengthen connection with God and others during seasons of distress. Listeners will gain insight into replacing fear-filled thoughts with truth, recognizing emotional triggers, building resilience and developing healthier responses to anxiety over time. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by panic, uncertainty or recurring what-if thoughts, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical next steps toward greater peace and healing.

Resource Referenced: Understanding the Wounded Heart by Dr. Marcus Warner

Find Dr. Marcus Warner's ministry at/on:

the Deeper Walk International website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Amazon

Find Carol McCracken:

On her website

On Facebook

On Instagram

If this episode encouraged you, you might gain additional encouragement from Jennifer's conversation with Dr. Warner regarding his book, Breakthrough. Find that episode titled "When You Feel Stuck and Need a Breakthrough" HERE.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.