In this candid episode of "Authentic with Patrick and Sondra," the couple delves into the significance of honoring leadership, even amidst personal hurt, and explore the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation. With personal anecdotes and spiritual insights, they encourage listeners to embrace a life of truth, love, and unity.

In this "Part 1" episode, Patrick shares his light bulb moment to the importance of a servant's heart in marriage while mom and toddler recover from a week of sickness. Listen to Episode 4 for the continuation.

Summary

In this conversation, Patrick and Sondra Smith explore the complexities of parenting and marriage, discussing their personal experiences with conflict, emotional intelligence, and the importance of communication. They reflect on their journey of growth, emphasizing the need for vulnerability, respect, and understanding in relationships. The couple shares insights on how to navigate disagreements, the role of selfishness, and the significance of surrendering control to God for healing and growth. They conclude with a prayer for marriages and families, highlighting the spiritual aspect of their journey together.

In this deeply personal episode, Patrick and Sondra open up about a chapter of their story that shaped their marriage in powerful ways. They look back 23 years to the proposal—the nerves, the surprises, and the laughter that started it all. But beyond the romance, they share the vulnerable truth about what came next: their journey through infertility, the struggle of timing, and the heartbreak of miscarriage.

With honesty, compassion, and even a touch of humor, Patrick and Sondra reflect on how these experiences tested and strengthened their love, reshaped their faith, and taught them what it truly means to wait, hope, and heal together.

00:00 Introduction and Authenticity

01:30 Reflections on Marriage and Proposals

10:56 Parenting Perspectives and Critical Views

18:09 Navigating Infertility and Hope

30:30 Spiritual Insights and Testimonies

32:54 Faith and Obedience in Times of Struggle

39:39 God's Perfect Timing in Parenthood

44:17 Navigating Grief: The Impact of Miscarriage

56:00 The Journey of Healing and Hope

In this conversation, Patrick and Sondra Smith answer some of the listeners questions and discuss how they navigate sharing personal challenges without overwhelming each other. They emphasize the role of prayer and communication in parenting teens and also maintaining a healthy balance in marriage, parenting, work, ministry, etc.

In this conversation, Patrick and Sondra reflect on their 23 years of marriage, discussing the importance of prayer, communication, and addressing past relationships. They explore how past choices impact their marriage and the significance of setting boundaries. The couple emphasizes the need for vulnerability and trust, sharing their personal testimonies and the journey towards healing. In this conversation, Sondra shares her journey of confronting bitterness and vulnerability in her marriage, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and healing from past relationships. They discuss the impact of boundaries before marriage, the sanctity of marriage, and the significance of open communication about intimacy. Patrick and Sondra encourage listeners to seek healing and restoration in their relationships, highlighting that God's plan for marriage is one of purity and fulfillment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

06:05 Reflections on 23 Years of Marriage

11:53 Understanding Boundaries in Marriage

18:02 Navigating Emotional and Physical Relationships

23:45 The Journey Towards Healing

31:24 Confronting Bitterness and Vulnerability

37:34 The Impact of Past Relationships on Marriage

45:30 The Sanctity of Marriage and Sexual Purity

55:10 Navigating Intimacy and Communication in Marriage

In this first episode, Patrick and Sondra open up about their 23-year journey of marriage, raising four boys, and walking through life’s chaos and beauty with Jesus at the center. They share stories of how their relationship has grown through the seasons.

You’ll also get a glimpse into what’s ahead for the podcast—real conversations about faith, family, marriage, and the messy, miraculous middle of life. Honest, encouraging, and full of laughter, this episode sets the tone for what’s to come.

🎙️ Tune in to get to know Patrick & Sondra and the heart behind their new podcast—where real stories meet real hope.