Words of Life: Weekly Christian Podcast with Testimonies & Teachings from the Salvation Army

In this re-air episode of Words of Life, Bernie Dake revisits a conversation with professor, author, and speaker Jason Thacker about the rise of artificial intelligence and what it means for followers of Jesus. Jason offers a biblical perspective on the questions AI raises about technology, humanity, wisdom, and the way we engage an ever-changing world.
Rather than blindly embracing new technology or simply rejecting it, Jason encourages Christians to slow down, ask thoughtful questions, and consider how technology is shaping the way we see God, ourselves, and one another.
Here is a link to the original episode- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/following-jesus-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence/id1161823629?i=1000736943538
Learn more about Jason- https://jasonthacker.com/
Learn more about Words of Life- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife

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What do our kids really need from us during the school year?
As we close our Back to School series, we take a step back from grades, schedules, activities, and expectations to talk about something deeper: what it means to be present for our children as they navigate the challenges of growing up.
Our panel reflects on the hopes and prayers they have for their children this school year, from developing gratitude and kindness to knowing who they are, knowing God, and building healthy friendships. But they also talk honestly about the difficult moments that come with parenting, including stress, disappointment, friendship struggles, and the times when our kids simply need a safe place to fall apart.
This conversation also explores the importance of community. Parents don't have to navigate the school year in isolation. Teachers, counselors, youth leaders, mentors, friends, churches, and other parents can all play an important role in helping children grow.
As this Back to School series comes to a close, join us for an encouraging conversation and a prayer for parents, students, teachers, friendships, and the year ahead.
Resources:
www.pta.org/home/programs/Healthy-Lifestyles/mental-health/for-families
www.nami.org/research/publications-reports/guides/navigating-a-mental-health-crisis/
childmind.org/resources
www.schoolsafety.gov/mental-health
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What do you do when your child starts asking questions about faith, God, the Bible, or even whether they believe at all anymore?
In this episode of Words of Life, our Back to School series continues with an honest conversation about helping children and teenagers develop a faith that is truly their own. As kids grow older, they encounter new ideas, difficult experiences, outside influences, and questions that can challenge the faith they were taught as children.
For Christian parents, those questions can be scary. But doubt and questions don't necessarily mean a child is walking away from God. In fact, asking questions can be an important part of developing a mature and lasting faith.
Resources:
www.pta.org/home/programs/Healthy-Lifestyles/mental-health/for-families
www.nami.org/research/publications-reports/guides/navigating-a-mental-health-crisis/
childmind.org/resources
www.schoolsafety.gov/mental-health
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Twenty-five years ago, the United States experienced the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Thousands of lives were lost, families were changed forever, and a nation was left grieving and searching for hope.
In this special episode of Words of Life, we remember September 11th through the experiences of people who witnessed the attacks and participated in The Salvation Army’s response in the days and weeks that followed.
From Ground Zero in New York City to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Salvation Army teams provided meals, water, emergency relief supplies, emotional and spiritual care, and a compassionate presence to firefighters, first responders, military personnel, volunteers, families, and others affected by the tragedy. The Salvation Army also served people stranded across the country and in Canada when hundreds of flights were diverted following the attacks.
Joining us for this special episode- Jeff Jellets, Major Ethan Frizzell, and Major Otis Childs.
Learn more about The Salvation Army’s disaster services at https://salarmyeds.org/

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In this episode our panel of teachers and parents discuss practical ways parents can support their children’s emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being in the ordinary rhythms of family life. The conversation centers on building trust, making space for honest conversations, creating room for fun, and making wise choices around phones and schedules. It’s a parenting discussion with a strong emphasis on relationship, consistency, and teamwork.
Key topics
Supporting kids emotionally is different from supporting them academically, and both matter.
Letting kids talk first, then listening before trying to solve the problem, helps build trust.
Timing matters when asking questions, and consistency helps kids learn the door is always open.
Family dinner, prayer requests, and praying for one another help children feel known and teach empathy.
Resources:
www.pta.org/home/programs/Healthy-Lifestyles/mental-health/for-families
www.nami.org/research/publications-reports/guides/navigating-a-mental-health-crisis/
childmind.org/resources
www.schoolsafety.gov/mental-health
Timestamps
00:00 - Words of Life opens and sets up a parenting conversation on emotional health
00:26 - Why this episode shifts from academic support to emotional support
01:19 - Letting kids talk first and listening before offering solutions
02:12 - Consistency, timing, and playful questions that lower barriers
03:04 - Family dinner as a built-in place for prayer and empathy
03:52 - How counseling can create safe space for deeper struggles
04:48 - Parents, counselors, teachers, and youth leaders working together
05:42 - Why overscheduling crowds out natural conversation
06:40 - Choosing relationship over productivity and performance
07:56 - Making room for joy, games, and fun in family life
08:40 - Why parents should want kids to enjoy spending time with them
09:40 - The changing pull of home, family, and social connection in Gen Alpha
11:09 - Phone habits, classroom engagement, and the cost of easy access
12:37 - Parenting requires hard choices, and sometimes the unpopular one is the loving one
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