When a family member or friend abandons the practice of the Catholic faith, it can be a real blow to those who know and love them, especially those whose faith and devotion are strong. While God alone can judge the disposition of such a person’s heart, there remains the objective concern we have for the destiny of their immortal soul. Undoubtedly, we’ve all known someone who walked away from the Church. How did you respond? Did you try all sorts of intellectual or theological arguments to get them to return? When that didn’t work, did you resort to simply loving them with all your heart and living your faith in such a way that it helped to bring them back to the Church? Share your take on this crucial topic, as it will surely help many others who are experiencing the pain and heartache of someone dear to them who has left the faith behind.

AUDIO ARCHIVE:: 

The history of mankind is one of creation and invention. Quite understandably, we’re always looking for ways to get things done more quickly and more efficiently. Today, our homes and lives are filled with tools, gadgets, appliances, furniture – you name it. It’s easy to become very attached to all of these things. Not so much in a “possessive” way, but more along the lines of depending on them on a frequent, perhaps even daily basis. On Friday, Jerry and Debbie will ask you to share what you would have difficulty living without. Debbie has established one rule: you can’t say your cell phone 🙂

Marriage is the most intimate relationship on the planet. Husbands and wives truly become “one flesh,” as the Bible says, when they are joined in holy matrimony. Does that mean they have to morph all of their likes, interests, hobbies, etc., into things they share in common? Of course not. Diversity in this regard can be a very good thing. But there are some couples who, while perhaps still loving and honoring one another, get to a place where their lives are so divergent that they’re essentially living as singles. Things like watching TV in separate rooms of the house, eating meals at different times, taking vacations by themselves and so on. Let’s discuss this and hear your experience if this describes your marriage.

It doesn’t happen every day. In fact, for most of us it will never happen. We’ll likely never be on the scene of a life-threatening emergency, let alone find ourselves thrust into action to help save someone’s life. Of course, first responders deal with this on a regular basis. But not the average citizen. If you are a first responder, or have otherwise figured into the saving of someone’s life, call and share your experience on Wednesday’s show.

Interpersonal communication has changed drastically in recent decades. Many of us remember the days when we had a “party line” for our home telephone, corresponded exclusively by writing and mailing letters, and so forth. Today, with all the different means of communicating with each other, should we consider there to be a sort of “hierarchy” of importance attached to these different forms of correspondence? For example, if you call someone, that can give the impression that your interest in talking with them is more serious or urgent than if you send them an e-mail. And texting may be a way that you communicate with someone when it’s less urgent than calling, but still more important than e-mailing someone. How do you view this phenomenon? How do you approach these different forms of communication? Let’s talk about it on Tuesday.

Many people experience real tragedies in their lives. They’re in a serious accident, receive a brutal health diagnosis, are betrayed by someone in whom they put a great deal of trust. The examples are endless. At the time these things happen to us, it can seem like nothing good will ever come from them. And a lot of people do struggle with tragedies for the remainder of their lives. Others somehow, some way, come to a place of looking back on their tragedy and seeing how it was a tremendous blessing in their lives. Has this happened to you? If so, call and inspire us all with your story. 1-833-288-3986.

As we go through life, just about everything can seem routine. Every now and then, it’s nice to be jolted by something that takes our breath away. Of course, that can happen because of so many things. On Friday, as we wrap up another week of Take 2 With Jerry and Debbie, call and share an experience you’ve had where you simply stopped, soaked it all in, marveled at what you were seeing or doing, and gave thanks to God for such a gift.

As promised on the show today, here are some pics of a few of my breathtaking experiences:

Rainbow arching over my late sister’s house as her husband and I drove home from making funeral arrangements (notice there are some hazy clouds, but not the typical conditions for a rainbow):

The sky to the west of my home several months ago that looks like it’s on fire:

The sun that looked like a Eucharistic monstrance in Sioux Falls, South Dakota:

What are the top 3 affirmative words that best describe you?  This is not an exercise to be prideful or even boastful.  But rather this is a healthy way of acknowledging the wonderful characteristics God bestowed on us.  We are created in His image and likeness so when we recognize these great gifts, it surely must bring Him delight.  Please call in and share with us the 3 words that you identify with.  If you truly feel that sharing your faults accurately describes you, then by all means please express that as well.  However, we have found that when we focus on the beneficial things about us, they just naturally expand in all areas of our lives.  To be on the show, call us at 1-833-288-3986.

My (Debbie’s) sister recently retired after 42 years of full-time employment.  We were all, as a family, waiting for that special day when she didn’t have to drive 45 minutes each way to work and she could focus her time on her grandkids instead having to go to bed early to get ready for the next days work.  Well that day came and we all thought that my sister would be jumping up and down for joy but she shared with us that it was strange feeling saying goodbye and turning in her keys.  Did you feel that way when you retired?  Was it a bittersweet experience?  Maybe now after retirement has set in, you are more active than ever.  Maybe it took some time but now you are feeling free again.  Share with us your experience of retirement.  We want to learn and grow from you!  1-833-288-3986.

The social media serve many positive purposes. They can keep us connected to family and friends, enable us to spread the gospel and so much more. But they can also be the source of considerable trouble for a variety of reasons. It’s easy to regret posting something on one or more of your social media accounts. And it’s not uncommon to hear of marital problems arising out of the use of social media. For example, a husband or wife “connects” with a former girlfriend or boyfriend from high school thirty years ago, and the other spouse feels uncomfortable or even threatened by the new development. Is that a reasonable reaction? It likely depends on the nature of the correspondence between the two of them. Should spouses have access to each other’s social media accounts? Is that being accountable or snooping? Let us have your life experiences on Tuesday’s show.