Lies We Told Ourselves: Loss, Pride, Addiction in Marriage–and the God Who Saves: Ron & Nan Deal
Ron and Nan Deal share the raw story behind a marriage almost destroyed: pride, grief, abandonment, and the death of their son. Nan’s struggle with addiction spiraled for over a decade, while Ron wrestled with guilt, ministry pressures, and heartbreak. This isn’t a polished story—it’s real, messy, and full of hope for couples facing hidden hurts, broken patterns, addiction in marriage, and the long road to grace.
Show Notes
- Get Ron and Nan Deal's book The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself, find it now in our shop.
- Register for the Blended and Blessed conference (live at Crossings Church Mayfair, Oklahoma City, or free livestream) on April 18, 2026 at blendedandblessed.com.
- Connect with Ron on Instagram or X
- Set sail on the Love Like You Mean It Marriage Cruise! Now through 3/31/26, use promo code CruiseMadness27 and enjoy exclusive savings on your stateroom.
- Thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at CSBible.com.
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Looking for a way to keep going?
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If you’ve been craving more—more connection, more understanding, more joy together—Art of Marriage is a powerful next step. This six-session, video-based study dives into the core of how to love our spouse the way God loves us: how to have an unwavering love no matter the challenge, a love full of strength and resiliency, a love that is selfless, a love that forgives because of the grace He has shown us, a love so intimate that you feel fully known and seen, and a love that is a representation of Christ just in how others see you love each other.
You can walk through it with friends, a small group, host an event at your church, or go through it with just the two of you. Learn more or preview session one at ArtofMarriage.com
About the Guest
Nan Deal
Nan Deal has a degree in Early Childhood Education and is a teacher with over 25 years’ experience in public and private schools. She is a leader with a local Re:Generation ministry and together she and Ron lead a While We’re Waiting support group for parents who have lost a child. Nan has been featured in teaching videos with GriefShare® and FocusontheFamily.com, and speaks with Ron in their The Mindful Marriage Conference in which they share the principles that have helped transform their relationship. Nan and Ron have been married since 1986 and have three boys. They live in Little Rock, Arkansas.
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.