When You Love a Prodigal
Loving a prodigal is a long, desperate journey. Fear. Worry. Anger. Blame. But God intends to use your valley to fill you with grace and hope. In each episode, author and speaker Judy Douglass will guide you through lessons she’s learned in her son's 15-year prodigal journey to help mold your spirit...
Recent Episodes
177
Aug. 12, 2026
Follow the Evidence with Bruce Cook
Did you make it through the teenage years with no rebellion, no prodigalness, only to discover as your loved one reached adulthood, they rejected the faith they were raised with, and maybe even broke communication with you? What do you do when they say, “There’s no proof there is even a god.” I think you will find some real help and hope in today’s episode with Bruce Cook, author of Follow the Evidence. In this fascinating, factual, readable book, Bruce takes readers on a cruise of discovery. H
176
May 26, 2026
End It for Good with Christina Dent
Is your loved prodigal addicted? Drugs? Alcohol? Gambling? Our guest today offers a different approach for healing. Christina Dent, founder of End It for Good, advocates for approaches that prioritize life and the opportunity to thrive. She offers help and hope for families pursuing freedom and healing. Christina’s Resources: Website: https://enditforgood.com/ Christina’s Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/christina_dent_end_the_war_on_drugs_for_good Christina’s Book: Curious: A Foster Mom’s
175
March 27, 2026
Strength for the Broken Hearted with Dena Yohe
Loving a Prodigal can be long, exhausting and heartbreaking. Perhaps you have been there. I’ve been there. Dena Yohe has been there. And she has written a 31-day devotional book just for people like us. You will love listening in on our conversation about surprises you didn’t want, waiting well, and what if, even if. Dena’s Resources: Website: https://hopeforhurtingparents.com/ Contact us: hope@HopeforHurtingParents.com Buy Dena’s new book Strength for the Brokenhearted: https://a.co/d/03mtmEN
174
Feb. 17, 2026
The Value of Grandparents for Prodigals with Larry Fowler
New on the When You Love a Prodigal podcast I am thrilled to be a grandmother—of 10 fabulous grands. I have a great desire to be a positive contributor to their growth, wisdom, and lives. I especially desire to help them not become prodigals, or if they do, to encourage them to choose to step away from that path. Legacy Coalition is a great partner in these efforts. Legacy Coalition believes that grandparenting matters! Grandparents have so much potential to impact the youngest generations to
Dec. 23, 2025
Gifts God Would Love
Rebroadcast of Episode 125: As you wrap up your Christmas shopping and wrapping, perhaps you would want to think of some gifts for Jesus. After all, it is His birthday we are celebrating. I like to consider what Jesus might like from me as a birthday gift. I’ve thought of several things—I know He would appreciate these gifts from you as well. Judy’s Resources: Read What Can I Give Him?: judydouglass.com/blog/what-can-i-give-him Read Grace for Them and for Us: judydouglass.com/blog/2014/09/grac
Dec. 16, 2025
Can You Love the Holidays When You Love a Prodigal? Interview with Dena Yohe
Rebroadcast of Episode Forty-Two: If you love a prodigal, you probably have a horror story to tell of a holiday with that loved wanderer. I certainly do, and so does Dena Yohe, co-founder of Hope for Hurting Parents, and parent of Renee, the subject of the famous To Write Love on Her Arms. We had a fun, tearful and helpful conversation for today’s episode. Join us as we tell our stories and get from Dena some very practical help for surviving and even loving the holidays this season. Resources
Dec. 12, 2025
The Navy and a Guitar with Justin Gambino, episode 173
It’s not often I interview someone who comes from Freeport, Texas, which was like a summer home for me in high school. As Justin and I talked we knew many of the same places. And I loved his redemptive story. He grew up in the church, chose some wrong friends, rescued by a discerning judge, a long stint in the Navy—and a guitar. You will love his Texas accent, his story, and a hopeful future. Justin’s Resources: Website: www.justingambino.com Stream his music: justin-gambino.lnk.to/JustLike
May 28, 2025
Preparing for Prodigal Prayer Day, episode 172
On June 2, about 25 years ago, our prodigal, Josh, met Jesus. He was living at House of Hope, a nearby residential home for troubled teens. His house dad, Mike, loved him, prayed for him, sought to guide him into better life choices, and on June 2, 1997, he introduced our son to Jesus. That evening Mike baptized him in the nearby lake. Josh’s life changed then, and when he came home months later. He wanted to walk with God. But wrong friends and the trauma of his early life put him on a roller c
May 13, 2025
Pam Henkelman, Empty Nest Coach, episode 171
Pamela Henkelman is a certified Empty Nest Coach, speaker, writer, and host of the Midlife Momma Podcast. With her bright smile and enthusiastic personality, she is passionate about encouraging women, particularly the often-forgotten group of moms with adult children. She has much wisdom for those whose adult children have cut off connection with them. I loved this quote on Pamela’s Instagram: “Talk less and pray more! Lead with love!” Pam’s Resources: Learn more about Pamela: https://www.pa
April 29, 2025
Resisting the Enemy, episode 170
This might be the most helpful episode we’ve done on this podcast. Loving a prodigal can be like a roller coaster—the ups and downs, the unexpected turns. The dashed hopes. In our last episode we looked at our persistent enemy—a roaring lion we know as Satan. This week we will look at what an opportunist he is, and ways we can resist him. Judy’s Resources: Read The Ways of the Enemy: Opportunist: https://bit.ly/4jT5UiI Read The Ways of the Enemy: Counterfeit-The Way: https://bit.ly/44MzGBn Jo
April 15, 2025
Can You See the Lion Stalking?, episode 169
When you love a prodigal, you get used to the lion stalking. Sometimes it seems that, no matter what you do to rescue your prodigal, to win her heart, to capture his mind, nothing works. Even when your prodigal is seeking to change patterns, to make better choices, to turn things around, they can’t catch a break. Someone is opposing them. His name is Satan. Judy’s Resources: Read Can You See the Lion Stalking?: https://bit.ly/42fNe73 Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.
April 1, 2025
In Just the Right Time episode 168
One of the hardest parts of living with and loving a prodigal is the waiting, isn’t it. I have said many times: I thought it was time! Isn’t it time, Lord? Are we doing this again? How long, Lord? We hate the uncertainty, fear the possibilities. And grow wearing in the waiting…. Judy’s Resources: Read Fragile Hope: https://bit.ly/41RMwwt Read Waiting with Hope: https://bit.ly/3VlMolg Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here
March 18, 2025
Finding Joy on Your Prodigal Journey with Jill Baughan (episode 167)
Jill Baughan radiates joy! In my several conversations with her, joy flows from her. I can't help but smile when I'm with her. But more than that, she is able to share, even slosh, that joy with you and me. Joy even for hard days with a prodigal. Jill’s Resources: BIG NEWS! Hey friends, my book is available for PRE-ORDER on Amazon! The release date is April 1, 2025. (Yes! April Fools' Day, which I find TOTALLY delightful!) I'll be telling you more about it in the coming days, but just know I a
March 4, 2025
Seeking Transformation, episode 166
In my conversations with those who love a prodigal, or with someone going through hard times, with anyone in an uncertain time, I usually end up at the same place, with four words that can make a real difference, even bring transformation in a prodigal, and in our own lives. These words are filled with encouragement and hope. When I remember them and choose to believe what God says to me about them, I am changed. Sometimes my circumstances change. And often I see new ways that God is answering
Feb. 18, 2025
Pursuing Healthy Families-Interview with Casey Gann, episode 165
Casey has much to offer as she shares her journey to become a counselor and her passion to encourage healthy families. She talks about the pain experienced by parents and by the children. And the conversations that can lead to healing. Judy’s Resources: Read Home: The Most Significant Place in the World: https://bit.ly/3Qo3FYg Read Joy and Pain Over Generations: https://bit.ly/4hGNt0b Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here
Feb. 4, 2025
Giving Up My Idols, episode 164
The prophet Isaiah repeatedly mocks them for carving idols to worship out of half a log, and cooking dinner with the other half. How could anyone think that “god” could save them? We read in 1 Samuel that rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23). Wow! I need to examine my rebellious tendencies. God understands our struggles, but He gives us every reason not to rebel. Judy’s Resources: Read Words of My Life 4: Surrender: https://bit.ly/
Jan. 21, 2025
Setting Your Loved One Free, episode 163
Today we are talking about liberation. As we consider the strongholds in the lives of our loved ones—and perhaps ourselves—be sure to note the verses that will give you hope. Judy’s Resources: Read Breaking Life Bondages: https://bit.ly/3C79gP7 Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9 Stay conne
Dec. 31, 2024
Hope for the New Year, episode 127 (rebroadcast)
A new year lifts us up, shaking off the remnants of last year’s mistakes, opening a panorama of a better future. We love to leave the hurts and failures of yesterday, believing that tomorrow is filled with sunshine and promise. Except, when you love a prodigal. Too often fears win out. You hope, but you dare not “get your hopes up.” You dream, hoping it doesn’t once again become a nightmare. You believe, but always with clouds of doubt blocking the brightness you desire. Can we have hope for t
Dec. 17, 2024
All I Want for Christmas, episode 44 (rebroadcast)
Lord, please, for Christmas could my child come home? Would you set him free from his addictions? May they see the emptiness and destructiveness of their choices. And, Lord, may we have peace in our family for Christmas. When you love a prodigal, your heart yearnings for your loved one seem to intensify at Christmas time. But we can ask for those heart’s desires—from God and from that prodigal. Judy’s Resources: Read The Gifts of Advent https://tinyurl.com/34h24mjw Join the Prayer for Prodigal
Dec. 10, 2024
A Story of Real Life Giving Thanks, episode 162
If you have listened to many of my podcasts, then you know I encourage all of us to give thanks in everything. I got to practice what I preach in real life last week. And though this story is not about a prodigal, it’s certainly a practice to live out before a prodigal or someone you hope never becomes a prodigal. Judy’s Resources: Read Help for the Hard--no, Impossible--Times: https://bit.ly/3BpvxHp Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ Sign up for Judy’s monthl
Dec. 3, 2024
Waiting in Advent for Jesus and Your Prodigal with Judy Lewis, episode 161
Judy Nelson Lewis and I go way back. She's been a magazine editor, writer, and now a spiritual director. We had a great conversation about advent, waiting, and how that can help us through our prodigal journey. It's a gift to you. The Judy Nelson Lewis’ Resources: Website: https://www.judynelsonlewis.com Enter for a chance to win Judy’s new book, Exhale: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway Judy’s Resources: Read Waiting with Hope: https://bit.ly/3VlMolg Read Prayers of Hope and Blessing for
Nov. 26, 2024
Praying with Thanksgiving, episode 160
In Philippian 4:6 the instructions are more specific: Pray about everything, with thanksgiving. Pray, of course. Give thanks? Much harder. But that is exactly what we are told to do, even in scary, out-of-control circumstances. Give thanks. It has been one of the most important, helpful, even life-changing truths I have learned. Judy’s Resources: Read Give Thanks:Pray with Thanksgiving - https://bit.ly/3VbqvoJ Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ Sign up for Ju
Nov. 19, 2024
Is It Possible to Give Thanks in Everything?, episode 159
Our natural response in times of uncertainty and in life with a prodigal and the fears and frustrations we encounter, is to name everything that is wrong, to complain about all we don’t like. And our God receives our honest laments. But He also encourages us to give thanks. In everything. Seriously? How do we do that? Judy’s Resources: Read Give Thanks: In Everything. - https://bit.ly/41cxTUL Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsl
Nov. 12, 2024
Dennis and Barbara Rainey: Relating to Your Adult Children, episode 158
I was reading Barbara Rainey’s blog recently and saw a post Relating to Your Adult Children. For most of the years God has had me in a loving a prodigal ministry, we have focused mostly on teens and young adults. But in recent years I hear more and more stories from parents whose adult children have separated from them—some a little, many because of rejecting their faith, and many who have completely cut off contact with their parents. Today Dennis and Barbara are giving us practical and surpri
Nov. 5, 2024
Your Prodigal Is a Gift, episode 157
As I have listened to the stories of friends’ prodigals and prayed for my son and many others, God took me on a journey back into the wilderness. Gratefully I was reminded over and over of the transforming truths that I have learned on that path. And I am still learning. These truths are gifts! Let me remind us all of some of the gifts we receive on a prodigal journey. Judy’s Resources: Read God's Birthday Gifts to Me: https://bit.ly/3UCFo3c Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https
Oct. 29, 2024
A Message from Steve, episode 156
Today, October 29, 2024, marks two years since my wonderful husband, Steve, was called home to Heaven. He was a wise, loving man, and had much to offer everyone he encountered. Today’s podcast is a gift from Steve, telling of his walk with God and his discovery of true peace. I believe you will be blessed by it. Judy’s Resources: Read How to Live and Love Like Jesus by Steve Douglass: https://bit.ly/3C5YgB5 Read Living Under Pressure by Steve Douglass: https://bit.ly/3O3UN93 Join the Prayer fo
Oct. 22, 2024
The Power of Grace, episode 155
In all my years of loving a prodigal and seeking to help others love their prodigal, one word has been the key, the difference, the change agent: GRACE Early in my journey with my prodigal, God gave me a guiding word. He said, “When you make mistakes with this boy, and you will, (and I did), make them on the side of grace.” There is so much grace for you and your prodigal in this episode. Judy’s Resources: Read Amazing Grace! blog: https://bit.ly/3C32JnT Free Ebook, Embracing Grace: https://j
Oct. 15, 2024
Remember to Breathe, episode 154
About 10 years ago we went through a scary time with our adopted son. Josh had twice, in response to great disappointments, threatened to take his life. We reasoned with him, assured him of our love, stayed with him. Gratefully, he backed down, but we were on alert. Josh’s birth grandfather—Papa—was the most important person in his life. Papa was slowly failing, with various ailments claiming more and more of his 88-year-old body. We were holding our breath. Have you been in that place with y
Oct. 8, 2024
From Guilt to Grace with Dawn Ward, episode 153
Does that title entice you? In your journey with a prodigal, would you like to be moving from guilt to grace? Our guest today is Dawn Ward, a life and mental health coach, writer, speaker, and one of us. Her ministry is Faith to Flourish and her brand new book is From Guilt to Grace. After a long family journey of prodigalness, addiction and guilt, an “aha” moment marked the turning point. Dawn’s Resources: Website: https://www.thefaithtoflourish.com Buy From Guilt to Grace: https://a.co/d/3quY
Oct. 1, 2024
Questions that Make a Difference, episode 152
It’s noisy out there, isn’t it? Online, at school, in the neighborhood. And certainly in your home when you have a prodigal. So many strong but differing opinions! We often seem to be more committed to making our point and hopefully getting others to agree. We don’t always listen to what others are saying. If you think about it, asking questions implies something so critical to relating to others: a willingness to listen. Judy’s Resources: Read Jesus on Leading: Be an Advocate: https://bit.ly
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Recent Blog Posts
May 24, 2024
What Are You Afraid Of?
Today I am sharing the first of three posts leading up to June 2 Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day. Our theme this year is Fear Not. These three posts are designed to prepare us as we engage in battle for the hearts and minds of loved ones who are “prod…
About the Host
Judy Douglass
My name is Judy. I love Jesus, my family, Texas, words, books, horses, Mexican food—and quite a few other things.
I was married to a wonderful man and have three delightful children and 10 superb grandchildren. My friends fill my cup so much that I am drinking from the saucer.
I am a writer, speaker, and missionary with cru. Most of all I am an encourager, urging everyone I encounter to know God and to entrust their lives to Him for all He wants them to be and all He has prepared for them to do. I get to go all over the world for this mission—what an incredible job!
I’ve written a few books, edited a couple of magazines, and helped found Synergy Women’s Network. I have spoken to groups from eight to 8,000. I write about women, prodigals, becoming a true follower of Jesus, the homeless, grandparenting, and learning from children.
I am amazingly blessed, totally inadequate, woefully unworthy, and eternally grateful for the grace and mercy of God.
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