Podcast Summary: Focus on the Family with Jim Daly – Finding God’s Love in Marriage and Life

Release Date: February 4, 2025

Introduction of Guests

In this heartfelt episode of Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, hosts Jim Daly and John Fuller welcome renowned Christian artist Rebecca St. James and her husband, Cubby Fink, to share their inspiring journey of faith, marriage, and family. Rebecca, an award-winning singer, songwriter, and author of over a dozen books, teams up with Cubby, a successful film director and producer with a background in a Grammy-nominated pop music band. Together, they have authored the insightful book, Lasting Faith, Music, Family and Being Found by True Love.

Early Life and Family Challenges

Rebecca opens up about her early life challenges, particularly the tumultuous period when her family moved from Australia to Nashville in 1991. At just 14 years old, Rebecca experienced significant hardship, including financial instability and uncertainty after her father's job fell through.

Rebecca St. James (00:04:50):
"We were plunged into a lot of uncertainty. No car, no furniture... but we prayed for money and food and a car and all the things and just saw it happen and saw miracles happen."

Despite these challenges, Rebecca emphasizes the profound impact of faith and divine intervention, which sustained her family through difficult times. This period not only shaped her resilience but also provided rich material for her music and testimony.

Trusting God in the Messy Middle

A central theme of the episode is the concept of trusting God amidst life's highs and lows—the "messy middle." John Fuller articulates this beautifully:

John Fuller (00:02:18):
"If we attach our emotional wellness to highs and lows, we're in trouble. God’s present with us always in the highs and in the lows." (00:02:18)

Rebecca concurs, sharing her journey of learning to balance her career aspirations with her personal desires for marriage and family. She discusses the importance of contentment and relying on God's plan, even when it deviates from one's own expectations.

Rebecca's Music Career and Overcoming Burnout

Rebecca delves into her extensive music career, which began at a tender age. Despite her success, she faced significant burnout and vocal strain due to relentless stress and an inability to set healthy boundaries.

Rebecca St. James (00:09:44):
"I didn’t know how to make a call for healthy no's. I was really burning out... my body was fighting back." (00:09:44)

She explains how this period of struggle was a crucial lesson in guarding her heart and prioritizing her well-being, ultimately leading her to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

The Role of Contentment in Marriage

Both Rebecca and Cubby emphasize the importance of contentment as foundational to a healthy marriage. Cubby references a favorite scripture from Philippians:

Cubby Fink (00:16:25):
"If you can’t be content unmarried, you’re never going to be content married... finding contentment in our identity in Christ is where we find true fulfillment." (00:16:25)

This perspective highlights that true contentment stems from one's relationship with God, rather than external circumstances or possessions, fostering a more resilient and joyful marital bond.

Courtship and the Proposal Story

One of the episode's most touching segments recounts Rebecca and Cubby's courtship and engagement story. Cubby narrates the pivotal moment when he almost missed Rebecca at the airport:

Cubby Fink (00:17:15):
"I was absolutely set on making this commitment a reality... I was dead tired... I jumped out of bed and rushed down in my truck, but I realized I was far away." (00:17:15)

Despite the mishap, Cubby's unwavering commitment led to a serendipitous reunion at the airport, culminating in a picturesque proposal amidst a snowfall—fulfilling Cubby's heartfelt vision.

Rebecca St. James (00:23:19):
"I thought, this is the moment that I’ve been waiting for my whole entire life. This is actually happening." (00:23:19)

This story exemplifies perseverance, divine timing, and the beauty of trusting God's plan in relationships.

Parenting and 'Practice Makes Parent' Podcast

Transitioning to family life, Rebecca and Cubby discuss their experience as parents to four children: Gemma (10), Imogen (6), and River (4). They share insights from their podcast, Practice Makes Parent, which offers practical parenting advice grounded in Christian faith.

Rebecca St. James (00:10:37):
"We want to be the best version of ourselves for our kids... guarding our hearts to manage stress and anxiety effectively." (00:10:37)

Their approach emphasizes modeling healthy behavior, maintaining personal well-being, and fostering a nurturing environment for their children.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, Jim Daly and John Fuller commend Rebecca and Cubby for their authentic and inspiring dialogue. They highlight the valuable lessons listeners can glean about faith, marriage, contentment, and parenting.

Jim Daly (00:26:19):
"If you’d like to think about maybe you’re going to get married or maybe you’ve been married just recently or maybe you’ve been married a while, there are some wonderful things to learn from this great book from Rebecca and Covey." (00:26:19)

Listeners are encouraged to engage with Rebecca and Cubby's book and podcast, fostering a community of support and growth within Christian families.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rebecca St. James (00:00:00):
  "There's something beautiful about the highs and the lows. Intertwining and Cubby and I sought God and each other and found comfort right there in the messy middle."

• John Fuller (00:02:18):
  "If we attach our emotional wellness to highs and lows, we're in trouble."

• Rebecca St. James (00:09:44):
  "I was struggling to sing and to breathe. Kind of a form of a panic attack on stage. Honestly."

• Cubby Fink (00:16:25):
  "If you can’t be content unmarried, you’re never going to be content married."

• Rebecca St. James (00:23:19):
  "This is the moment that I’ve been waiting for my whole entire life. This is actually happening."

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Lasting Faith, Music, Family and Being Found by True Love by Rebecca St. James and Cubby Fink
• Podcast: Practice Makes Parent hosted by Rebecca St. James and Dr. Danny Huerta
• Donation Information: Listeners are encouraged to support Focus on the Family by donating monthly or making a one-time gift via the provided contact number: 800-232-6459.

For more inspiring stories and practical advice on faith and family, visit Focus on the Family and explore their extensive range of resources.