In this episode, Dr. Ryan Rush and FamilyLife Today hosts Dave and Ann Wilson discuss the power of mealtime and its profound impact on families, relationships, and spiritual growth. The conversation begins with a humorous remark about how the interview feels "wrong" because there's no food present, highlighting the importance of food and mealtimes in their daily lives. This sets the tone for a discussion on the significance of shared meals, something that has been studied by Dr. Rush for years.

Dr. Rush explains how meals around the table can restore and strengthen family connections, noting that while people universally agree that mealtime is important, it is often neglected due to busy schedules. The episode delves into the challenges families face in making mealtimes a priority, especially when schedules are jam-packed with activities. However, Dr. Rush emphasizes that finding just a few moments to gather around the table—whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—can make a huge difference in maintaining strong family bonds.

The idea of a "Trunk Picnic" is introduced, showcasing how creative solutions like eating in the back of a car can make mealtime a special occasion, no matter how busy life gets. Dr. Rush also shares insights from his own experiences, offering personal anecdotes of how his family has maintained mealtimes despite hectic schedules. This includes how his family holds a weekly meal together at a local restaurant after church and how even in the midst of tough circumstances, meals continue to be a bonding time.

The episode further explores the spiritual significance of mealtimes. Dr. Rush highlights how mealtime can be an opportunity for evangelism and building relationships, particularly with neighbors. By inviting others to the table, families can engage in meaningful conversations and show Christ’s love without explicitly preaching. He shares stories from his diverse neighborhood, including connections with people from different cultural and religious backgrounds.

The emotional and spiritual growth that can occur around the table is also discussed, especially in light of Dr. Rush’s family’s experiences with their daughter Lily, who has special needs. Despite Lily's nonverbal communication, she plays a central role in the family’s mealtime practices by encouraging prayer and helping the family stay focused on what truly matters.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Rush invites listeners to participate in the "Restore the Table" challenge, encouraging them to spend 40 days prioritizing mealtime as a way to strengthen family and spiritual life. He offers practical advice and tips for making mealtimes a regular, cherished part of daily life, and the hosts encourage listeners to read his book, Restore the Table, for further insights.

Show Notes and Resources

• Learn more about Ryan Rush on his website.
• Download conversation starters for the family table at familylife.com/tabletalk.
• Get Ryan's book "Restore the Table" on our shop.
• Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
• Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

In this podcast episode, Dave and Ashley Willis return to discuss their ministry, Naked Marriage, with hosts Dave and Ann Wilson, focusing on the importance of emotional and spiritual openness within marriage. The episode starts with an update on their four children, including the unique characteristics of each child and how they keep the couple both young and old at the same time.

The conversation then dives into the topic of “secrets” in marriage, specifically addressing the issue of pornography and its impact on relationships. The Willises explore the emotional pain caused by hidden secrets, especially when one partner reveals something like pornography use, which feels like a betrayal. Ashley shares her personal experience of battling anxiety, which she kept hidden from Dave, and the impact it had on their relationship.

A major point of discussion centers around how couples can navigate such revelations, with Dave sharing his past struggles with pornography and how he dealt with them. He discusses how keeping secrets, particularly regarding pornography, can lead to guilt and shame, and how the act of keeping such secrets can create a cycle of deceit in relationships.

Ashley offers advice to women who are dealing with the revelation of such secrets from their husbands, emphasizing the need to feel and process emotions like anger and grief, but also not to let those feelings dictate the future of the relationship. She underscores that it’s important for couples to face the truth and the pain together. The couple also talks about how boundaries and accountability tools are critical in relationships to avoid temptation, especially in today's digital age.

The conversation also touches on the importance of open communication with children about pornography and the necessity of setting up safeguards, like filtering software, to protect young minds. Dave and Ashley emphasize how their open dialogue about sex with their children has been crucial to creating a safe space for them to ask questions without shame.

Finally, the episode delves into the broader theme of healing from past trauma and secrets, encouraging listeners to bring the truth into the light for healing and freedom. They discuss the importance of not keeping any secret that might weigh heavily on the relationship, with both partners sharing their past struggles and the power of vulnerability in marriage.

Show Notes and Resources

• Learn more about Dave and Ashley Willis and sign up for their 9 Days to Great Sex eBook at their website.
• Listen to the "Marriage on the Line" podcast.
• Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
• Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy