The Mindful Marriage: Understanding “Me” for the Sake of “Us”
In this week’s episode, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington sit down with Ron and Nan Deal to talk about The Mindful Marriage and what it means to understand “me” for the sake of “us.” With honesty and wisdom, the Deals share how emotional baggage, self-reflection, and personal growth shape the health of a marriage. Together, they unpack the coping patterns that can disrupt relationships and offer transformative steps toward healing and connection—reminding us that the gospel brings renewal to both the individual and the marriage.
Related Resources
- Read The Mindful Marriage by Ron and Nan Deal
- Learn more about While We’re Waiting, a Christ-centered ministry offering retreats and support for parents who have lost a child.
- Take The Mindful Marriage Reactive Coping Assessment, a free online quiz by FamilyLife Blended / Smart Stepfamilies that helps identify your typical reaction patterns — blame, shame, control, or escape.
- Learn more about FamilyLife Blended, Ron Deal’s ministry equipping churches and families for marriage and blended family challenges.
Scripture References
- Ephesians 4
- Romans 12:2
- Romans 7
About the Guests
Married since 1986, Ron and Nan Deal are popular marriage conference speakers and authors of The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself. Ron is the bestselling author of more than a dozen books and resources, a licensed marriage and family therapist, podcast host, and a Senior Director for the ministry of FamilyLife. Nan retired from teaching after 25 years and currently works for a Christian non-profit ministry. They have three sons, a daughter-in-law, one grandson, and a Golden Retriever and live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn more at RonDeal.org.
