May 26, 2024 — Episode #21
Jerry and Becky Drace tackle a quiet marriage-killer this week: neglect. Drawing on decades of Hope for the Home conferences, they unpack what it looks like when a husband or wife stops including their spouse — at home and in public.
They distinguish passive neglect (unintentional distancing) from active neglect (deliberate exclusion), and walk through categories of emotional need — feeling heard, understood, supported, appreciated, cherished, and safe. Becky shares how Jerry’s support of her decision to return to college in her late sixties made her feel valued, and the couple discusses spiritual neglect within families, urging fathers especially to lead in prayer and Scripture reading at home. They close with Amos 3:3 (“Can two walk together unless they are agreed?”) and Colossians 4:6 on gracious, well-seasoned speech, plus a homework challenge to identify moments of neglect in your own marriage.
Topics discussed:
- Passive vs. active neglect in marriage
- Emotional needs: being heard, understood, supported, cherished
- Spiritual leadership and daily family devotions
- Fathers modeling prayer for their children
- Amos 3:3 and walking together in agreement
- Colossians 4:6 on gracious speech
- Setting shared purpose and goals as a couple
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