Breaking Free from the Shame That Whispers ‘You Failed

Welcome to this week’s episode of Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children.

On this week’s episode, “Breaking Free from the Shame That Whispers ‘You Failed,’” hosted by Laine Lawson Craft. In this powerful and uplifting episode, Laine is joined by special guest Jill Savage, bestselling author and expert in overcoming perfectionism, who shares heartfelt wisdom on moving past parenting shame and embracing grace.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

  • Jill Savage’s “25 Scriptures for When Life is Hard”: jillsavage.org/truth
  • Jill’s Books: No More Perfect Moms, No More Perfect Kids, No More Perfect Marriages, Empty Nest, Full Life
  • Laine’s website and free resources: lainelawsoncraft.com (First 10 days of her book Warfare Parenting free)
  • Sign up for Laine’s Inspirational Weekly emails at her site LaineLawsonCraft.com
  • Please email any prayer requests or needs to lainecraft@lainecraft.net

About Jill Savage
Jill Savage is an accomplished author, sought-after speaker, and founder of Hearts at Home, an organization providing encouragement to moms worldwide. With a authentic, relatable style, Jill’s books—including No More Perfect Moms and Empty Nest, Full Life—draw from her own experiences and struggles, helping parents release unrealistic expectations and combat the “perfection infection.” Jill is passionate about guiding families to embrace authenticity, offer themselves grace, and break free from guilt and comparison, especially in challenging parenting seasons.

Key Talking Points:

  • Understanding the “perfection infection”—unrealistic expectations and comparisons on social media (2:00 – 4:30)
  • Steps to kick perfectionism and comparison: honest conversations, shifting mindset, self-grace, and accepting God’s forgiveness (4:30 – 8:30)
  • Jill’s viral story about sharing real-life messiness (7:42 – 9:18)
  • Warning signs when shame or guilt becomes toxic, and when to seek help (10:11 – 11:47)
  • Reclaiming your identity in Christ—not in your child’s choices or behaviors (12:13 – 14:33)
  • Reminders that no family, house, or child is perfect—even Billy Graham’s (14:33 – 15:17)

Time Stamps:

  • 00:00 — Introduction and social media comparisons
  • 01:51 — Jill explains “perfection infection”
  • 04:13 — Strategies to combat comparison and perfectionism
  • 05:17 — Grace for past parenting choices and accepting growth
  • 07:08 — Tools for breaking the comparison trap
  • 08:29 — Jill’s viral ‘real life’ social media post
  • 10:11 — Warning signs when guilt turns toxic
  • 12:13 — Restoring identity in God, not in parenting outcomes
  • 14:33 — No perfect families: even well-known faith leaders’ struggles
  • 15:34 — Resources and final encouragement

Conclusion:
Shame and guilt often whisper lies to struggling parents, but as Jill Savage and Laine Lawson Craft remind us, your child’s choices do not define your worth. By breaking free from unhealthy comparisons, embracing honest conversation, and finding your identity in faith, you can reclaim peace and joy in your parenting journey. Remember, you are not alone—God specializes in redemption stories, and your family’s story is still being written. Be encouraged, equip yourself with truth, and never lose hope.


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