Have you ever been in a situation where it just seems like things are getting worse and worse and worse, and there's just no hope that anything is going to get better? I found myself, thanks to our good friends at YouTube, being shown depressing video after depressing video that just led me to believe that the world was going to hell in a hand-basket. It got to the point where I just physically felt different.

When things aren't going right, instead of letting it pull you down, look at it as a new adventure. Look at it as an opportunity to learn.

When God wanted to make David a king, He didn't give him a crown; He gave him a Goliath.

When God wanted to raise Joseph to the palace, He didn't give him a shortcut; He gave him prison.

When God wanted to make Esther a queen, He didn't give her comfort; He gave her a crisis.

When God wanted to make Moses a leader, He didn't give him a stage; He gave him wilderness.

A lot of times, when you feel like God's breaking you; He's actually building you. And what you have to understand is that God doesn't give us what you expect in life.

Geri Carlson's Hope Blvd Podcast.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

If you feel you've received value from this episode, please consider giving some of that back. This can be a one time gift, or a monthly subscription to keep the show going. Go to

feedingmyfaith.com/thanks

Have you ever looked back at something that went wrong and realized, "Yeah... that one's on me"? That's what I'm talking about in this episode: personal responsibility.

It's not always a fun topic because it's a whole lot easier to blame someone else. But the truth is, we really do reap what we sow. If we plant bad habits, poor decisions, or excuses, we shouldn't be shocked when those things grow into bigger problems later.

I take a look at why so many of us are quick to dodge responsibility and point the finger somewhere else. We dig into parenting, schools, and the role society plays in raising the next generation. Along the way, I share a few laughs, but I also ask some questions that might make you stop and think.

This episode isn't about beating ourselves up. It's about recognizing the choices we make, taking ownership when we get it wrong, and doing a better job of planting the kinds of seeds that lead to a better future.

• Taking personal responsibility means looking in the mirror when things go wrong, folks!
• Kids without fathers are at a higher risk of dropping out and living in poverty, no joke!
• We need to train our children properly or they might end up as total mayhem machines!
• When parents and schools fail to teach discipline, we create a generation without consequences!
• The media often sugarcoats teen riots, but we need to call it what it really is: chaos!
• If we don't raise smart kids, we're basically doomed, and that's not a fun thought!

If you enjoyed this episode please reach out, or tell a friend. If you feel so moved, chip in and help offset the cost of producing the podcast. Thanks so much for listening.

When I was eleven, America was celebrating its 200th birthday, and everywhere I looked, people were beaming with pride, donning flag T-shirts and embracing the spirit of unity. Fast forward fifty years, and it feels like a growing number of Americans are more eager to criticize the country than celebrate it. The conversation focused on why this shift has happened, how outside perceptions often clash with realities, and what it means to live in a nation with so much freedom—despite its flaws.

In this episode, I’ll reflect on generational changes in national pride, the role politics and media play in shaping our views, and the surprising disconnect between America’s critics and the challenges found in other countries. We’ll explore stories that reveal both our progress and our shortcomings, and look to scripture for perspective on gratitude, prayer for leaders, and the responsibility that comes with freedom. As we mark another milestone in America’s history, let’s take an honest look at where we’ve been, where we are, and the faith that sustains us through it all.

The Last 50 Years

• Higher incomes
• Larger homes
• Better technology
• More entertainment choices
• Lower infant mortality (more on that later)
• Women can obtain credit independently
• Women now serve on the Supreme Court 1976 0. 2026 4.
• More women serve in Congress 19 in 1976, 150 now, about 28%
• Cleaner air (fewer smog days)
• Removal of lead from gasoline
• Reduced asbestos exposure
• Greater awareness of drunk driving dangers
• Safer automobiles No more Pintos blowing up, but we are ignoring electric cars.
• We don’t smoke on planes
• We elected a black president twice
• We elected a ticket with a female vice president

54th in the world in infant mortality, behind Cuba.

19th in literacy, behind Russia.

72nd in female representation in government, behind Iraq

EPI reports CEO pay was up 1,322% since 1978, while typical worker compensation rose just 18% (source)

Bill Maher talked a lot about this on his show