Orthodox Christian Parenting

How Suffering Can Change the Way You Parent | Season 2 Favorites

August 25, 2026·16 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

There are seasons when the most honest prayer you can manage is asking God to help you get through the next hour. This week we're revisiting highlights from our conversation with Dr. Rick and Dema Esper about the year that followed Rick's stroke. Rick tells us what got him out of bed on the mornings his body wouldn't cooperate, Dema describes how gratitude took the place of pride, and both explain why apologizing to your children teaches more than any lesson on forgiveness.Listen to the full episode.Episode Recap:Today we're talking with Dr. Rick and Dema Esper about parenting through Rick's stroke and the year of recovery that followed. (0:00)What happened the morning Rick's stroke began? (1:00)What was it like for Rick to wake up in the ICU unable to move? (5:15)What did it take for Rick to get out of bed each morning during his recovery? (7:42)How did Dema find enough resolve to see them both through Rick's recovery? (8:01)How did Rick's anger at God eventually give way to acceptance? (10:25)What did Dema mean when she said suffering can lead to gratitude? (12:06)How does Rick apologize to his daughter when he loses his temper? (14:57)Resources: Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTubeExplore the full library of Faithtree ResourcesDownload the free Discussion GuideShare your feedback on our Listener Survey Donate to support the podcast

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