171: How To Navigate In-Law Relationships: Building Bridges, Not Battlegrounds
In-law relationships can be delicate and challenging, especially when they involve a former spouse. Ron Deal speaks with Dave and Ashley Willis about how to prevent feelings of powerlessness and frustration as we build bridges, not battlegrounds, in difficult relationships. Establishing healthy boundaries can safeguard our mental health and encourage healing from past wounds. Honest conversations convey respect—even when relationships are full of tension. Grace-filled discussions that reflect our ability to see the best in others and extend forgiveness when we’ve been wronged allow God’s love to reach hardened hearts.
God wants to redeem relationships, and as we do our part with difficult in-law relationships, God will honor our efforts.
Show Notes
- Listen to the podcast Grandparenting and the Blended Family.
- Learn about Dave and Ashley and get their Married Into The Family book.
- Join us in Nashville for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry
- Email blended@familylife.com for small group coaching or check out The Smart Stepfamily free series to get started.
- Our small group searchable map
- Ron's list of certified counselors
- Clinical Training
About the Guest
Dave and Ashley Willis
Dave and Ashley Willis met on Ashley’s first day of class at Georgetown College in Kentucky in the Fall of 1999. They married the week after Dave’s graduation in May of 2001. Since earning their bachelor’s degrees in communication arts, Dave earned a master’s degree in communication studies from the University of Kentucky and Ashley earned a master’s degree in biblical counseling from Luther Rice Seminary in Georgia.
They spent thirteen years in full-time pastoral ministry until God called them to build stronger, Christ-centered marriages as their full-time focus. They’ve spent the past decade ministering to married couples from all over the world as part of the team at XO Marriage, which is the nation’s largest marriage-focused Christian ministry. Dave and Ashley are the authors of multiple books including the bestseller, The Naked Marriage. They’re also the hosts of The Naked Marriage Podcast, which is currently the most downloaded Christian marriage podcast in the world.
Dave and Ashley have four sons ranging in age from elementary school to college. When they’re not doing marriage ministry, Dave and Ashley love hanging out with their sons, traveling, watching good movies, and going on long walks with their rescue dog. They live near Augusta, GA where Dave also serves as a teaching pastor for Stevens Creek Church.
Ashley and Dave individually provide one-on-one biblical counseling, mental health coaching, and marriage coaching. The Willis family loves laughing, hanging out by the pool, and eating large amounts of Mexican food, pizza, and froyo.
About the Host
Ron Deal
Ron Deal is Director of FamilyLife Blended®️ for FamilyLife®️ and President of Smart Stepfamilies™️. He is a family ministry consultant and conducts marriage and family seminars around the country; he specializes in marriage education and stepfamily enrichment. He is one of the most widely read authors on stepfamily living in the country.