We’re all familiar with the stories of people who say, “God, I’ll never do (fill in the blank) again if you just help me out of this situation!” Or, “Lord, if you do (fill in the blank) for me right now, I will do (fill in the blank) for you the rest of my life.” Does God enter into agreements like that? Can we “bargain” or “negotiate” with God? Do our offerings of service to Him make Him act in a certain way when we make those promises? Have you ever been in a situation where you needed God’s immediate help? Did you offer Him something in return for His swift action? What is your understanding of how God will move in your life? Have you tried to make a deal with Him over something? Did you see the results you were praying for? Did you uphold your end of the bargain? Some would say that prayer changes us, not God. Do you think we are able to change the mind of God? Or change His will in particular circumstances? Share your take on this topic on Friday with Jerry and Debbie – and the world!

Have you lived through a devastating loss or experience that left you thinking you would never recover? You’d never be “yourself” again? You’d never get over it or move beyond it? If not, your time just hasn’t come yet. This is part of every life. No one will navigate their entire life without going through it. The key is to allow the power of Jesus’ healing to put the shattered pieces back together again. What have you gone through that you can now look back and honestly say, “I’m OK now”? Maybe you’re just starting to feel “OK.” Perhaps you’re somewhere along that path, but not fully there yet. Is it even possible to get back to where you were emotionally and psychologically, or even be better and stronger? If that has happened to you let us know about it. As always, you could turn a life around with what you share on the program.

It takes less effort to smile because the facial muscles used are stronger, yet so many choose to frown more readily.  We have heard it said that “a smile says a thousand words.”  Smiling at someone during a random encounter can literally change a person’s outlook on humanity.  A smile can bring joy, comfort and peace.  What does a smile do for you?  Why is it that many folks don’t realize that a smile should be part of the Christian life.  As followers of Jesus, it would seem that a permanent smile should be on our faces at all times. Let’s talk about this evangelization tool of smiling.  Call in to 1-800-585-9396 and share your take on this topic.

From Facebook Live viewer Steve: Here’s a poem my grandparents posted on the wall of their parlor: “Smile awhile and while you smile — another smiles, And soon there are miles and miles of smiles and Life’s worthwhile Because you Smile.” by Kathleen J. Edgar

During this beautiful Feast of the Assumption, we felt it was fitting to have a down to earth, candid discussion about how we view Mother Mary in our lives.  How would you describe your relationship with the Virgin Mary.  Do you feel close to her?  Can you honestly call her your spiritual mother?  Maybe you just can’t identify with her but would love to know how to build a connection. Let’s have an authentic conversation about Mary.  We know that if we share from our hearts, others are listening, learning and hopefully growing in their faith.  Call in at 1-800-585-9396.

As Christians we’re called to make a difference in the temporal order. That means taking Jesus into all areas of life, including the workplace. For today’s young adults that can be a real challenge. The forces acting against them are enormous and intimidating. They are often shouted down by the enemies of faith and virtue. So, how are they supposed to influence their peers for good? Are you a young adult Catholic just getting started in your career? How is it going so far? Are you in a working environment that allows you to freely be who you are as a Catholic Christian? Do you have to guard your faith so as to not “rock the boat?” Worse, if you speak up are you subject to reprisals from your peers or bosses? Have you been able to turn the hearts of your co-workers toward Jesus and the faith? Do you have support in your faith as a young Catholic professional? Call Monday and make a difference in the life of a fellow young Catholic professional who may be in a difficult position. Our guest will be Jennifer Baugh, founder and executive director of Young Catholic Professionals. 

Everyone has a different relationship with the concept of worry.  What is your definition?  Are there necessary and healthy worries?  Are all worries fruitless?  Are worries a sign of a deeper issue, especially with God?  In scripture, John talks about the peace God gives us and that we should not be troubled and not be afraid.  Yet worrying can be so natural to many of us.  Some of us are actually experts in worrying.  We own our worries, just like we own our clothing, it becomes part of our persona. Let’s talk about our worries from every angle and see if we can grow from the discussion. Call in at 1-800-585-9396.

A new well-paying job, a successful marriage and family, a windfall of money, a fruitful vocation, a big dream house, or a fancy sports car are just some of the examples of the “jackpots” of life.  Are you happy for others when they hit the jackpot?  Or do you secretly wish it was you? Maybe you are wondering why it is that some less honorable people seem to have good fortune in their life.  Yet, you are faithful, hardworking and honest but good fortune overlooks you.  There are some families that produce 2 or even 3 vocations among their children, while other Catholic families have children leaving the faith.  Life can appear to be unfair.  Maybe you are waiting for your jackpot to hit.  There is so much we can cover on this topic and with your help we can make a difference in the lives of others.  Please be on the show by calling, 1-800-585-9396.

Many folks know they have been put on this earth for a reason, a God-given purpose. Being passionate about your purpose in life, allows for nothing or no one to stand in the way.  What hard choices have you had to make in order to stay on purpose to live out what you believe God wants for you?  A great example of this is when Mother Angelica joined the convent against her mother’s wishes.  That must have been an incredibly hard decision for Mother to make, but look what her vocation brought forth to the world, EWTN.  Share your life circumstances with us so that we may all benefit from your experience.  Call in to 1-800-585-9396.

If Jesus were alive today would He use marketing and advertising to spread His message of love and salvation? Regardless of the answer to that question, we, His followers, do use those means in our work of evangelization. In essence, there’s nothing wrong with trying to get people to know of your existence and what you have to offer. But with the proliferation of so many forms of media, does it feel to you like everytime you blink you’re being bombarded with another ad? Billboards. Magazines (some of which exist almost solely to sell ad space). Blogs and websites that blitz you with pop-up and banner ads. YouTube actually allowing you to pay so you don’t have to watch ads. Even gas pumps now have video monitors trying to sell you things you don’t want or need. How do you feel about all of this? Does it bother you? Maybe it doesn’t. Perhaps you let it roll off your back quite easily. In either case, let’s have a frank discussion of whether or not it’s gotten out of hand. Share your take on Tuesday’s show.

Just like we see in the movies, relationships whether it be romantic or not seem so blissful and perfect.  Is this a distortion of reality?  Have we been fooled into thinking relationships can be without conflict and stress?  Many honeymoon couples have shared that they were shockingly disappointed because the relationship did not continue on that “high” of the wedding day.  Could Hollywood be responsible for setting us up for failure?  Maybe we should replace the word “dream” for “holy” in how we describe our relationships.  After all, the relationships we cultivate should ultimately help us on our journey to heaven.  So what is your dream relationship? Share with us Monday on Take 2 with Jerry and Debbie. 1-800-585-9396.