As is often the case with deep subjects like suicide, our Wednesday show was packed with callers wishing to share their experiences – including several who at one time attempted suicide themselves. If you were one of the wonderful souls on the line at the end of the show, we’re producing a part two on Thursday, so you can tell Ryan to put you at the head of the list of callers. We know it’s going to be yet another impactful show. Let’s all be praying between now and then, that the Holy Spirit will again move powerfully in our midst.

Suicide is never a pleasant topic. It seems to have been on the increase in recent years. Add the COVID-19 pandemic and so many other issues that are troubling the world, and you’ve got a perfect storm of circumstances that have brought the matter of suicide to our national and global consciousness. On Wednesday, please weigh in on this tragic reality, which is touching more and more people’s lives every day.

National Suicide Prevention LifelineHours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.1-800-273-8255

It’s only appropriate that two days away from the 39th anniversary of the launch of EWTN, we will do a part two of our Wednesday conversation about Mother Angelica, EWTN’s beloved foundress. If you were on the line at the end of Wednesday’s show, be sure to tell our call screener, Ryan, and he will move you up in the order. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to share your memories of Mother Angelica.

We all know and love people we’d like to see walking more closely with God and the Church. We do all we can to help them, but often to no avail. Sometimes we run out of ideas or energy, or simply realize that God alone can truly help them. Who’s someone in your life you’ve had to entrust completely to God? We’re sure you’ll have a take on Thursday’s show, so be sure to join us.

We’ve discussed this topic before, and it elicited a lot of very poignant and impactful takes on the program. On Wednesday, Jerry and Debbie invite you to once again pray about calling in and sharing whether or not you find it hard to forgive yourself. This can be very damaging to one’s overall personal growth, as it keeps us “stuck” in our past and our mistakes. It’s also a subtle form of pride, as we’re saying that we welcome the forgiveness of God, the Church and other people, but cannot – for whatever reason – forgive ourselves. Let’s dive deeply into this conversation on Wednesday.

Conversion is a lifelong process. As we make that all-important journey, we change many of our behaviors, friends, habits, hangouts, etc. As you look back at your life before you took your faith seriously, would the people you knew and spent time with recognize you now? Sometimes we change so much – hopefully for the better – that we end up losing many of those friends and things we used to do. If you have some thoughts on this, be sure to call and share them with Jerry and Debbie, and the world, on Tuesday’s show.

Friday is our monthly Unscripted show. You bring the topics and the takes. Be sure to call early, and let the world know what is on your mind or in your heart.

In the Bible, Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus, often gets a bum rap because Jesus said Mary chose the better part, i.e. sitting at Jesus’ feet in a more contemplative manner. But that doesn’t mean Martha’s role is unimportant. There are many times we are called to serve others, and to serve Jesus in others. If it weren’t for people who take an active role in serving the needs of others, much suffering would proliferate throughout the world. On Wednesday, join Jerry and Debbie and share how you have played the part of Martha in your community. This isn’t about bragging on ourselves. Rather, it’s an opportunity to inspire others to take a more active role in serving others.

An unfortunate part of everyone’s life is that we are often subject to criticism and negativity. Healthy and constructive criticism can be very helpful. But some people find it difficult not to unleash negativity, even on those they love. These experiences can be very powerful forces in our lives, as they go a long way toward shaping what we think of ourselves, and how we live our lives. Happily, we are very resilient beings, and can even take unjust insults and negativity and turn them into positives by allowing them to drive us to become better persons. Have you done this in your own life? Be part of the conversation on Tuesday’s show.

The COVID pandemic has taken its toll on everyone. Whether you have had the virus yourself, know someone who has (or does), or have cared for someone during the crisis. Virtually all of us are feeling beat up by the whole thing. Our question for you on Monday will be, “How are you taking care of yourself?” Are you making sure you get enough sleep and rest? Eating healthy? Finding time for exercise and recreation? If we don’t do these things, we run the risk of eventually being of no help to anyone. Join us as we start next week off with this discussion.